Uncategorized

Animals

Fewer scavengers could mean more zoonotic disease

Scavenger populations are decreasing, a new study shows. That could put human health at risk.

Humans

100 years after the Scopes trial, science is still under attack

In 1925, John Scopes was indicted for teaching evolution. Science News looks at the forces that led to the trial and how expertise was the big loser.

Astronomy

Black hole–shredded megastars power a new class of cosmic explosions

These explosions, called extreme nuclear transients, shine for longer than typical supernovas and get 30 to 1,000 times as bright.

Science & Society

A common parenting practice may be hindering teen development

A poll shows U.S. parents are wary of unsupervised teens, but lack of independence undermines normal development, experts say.

Climate

This paint ‘sweats’ to keep your house cool

This experimental paint reflects sunlight, emits heat and mimics sweating to cool buildings without air conditioning, even in the tropics.

Health & Medicine

A genetic test may predict which weight loss drugs work best for patients

Variants of obesity-related genes influence how much weight patients lose on specific weight loss drugs like liraglutide, two studies report.

Animals

This spider’s barf is worse than its bite

Most spider species subdue dinner by injecting venom from their fangs. Feather-legged lace weavers swathe prey in silk, then upchuck a killing brew.

Neuroscience

At early ages, autism in girls and boys looks similar

A new study of more than 2,500 children under 5 found little difference in autism symptoms between boys and girls.

Space

Here’s how a collision of star remnants launches a gleaming jet

A computer simulation shows how two neutron stars of unequal mass merge, form a black hole and spit out a jet of high energy matter.

Physics

Rainbows of sound are a reality thanks to a new device

A plastic structure separates white noise into pitches, like a rainbow splits light into colors, offering a novel way to manipulate sound.

Computing

There’s no cheating this random number generator

From jury duty to tax audits, randomness plays a big role. Scientists used quantum physics to build a system that ensures those number draws can’t be gamed.

Health & Medicine

How one mom is navigating vaccines’ uncertain future

With CDC upheaval, new limits on who can get some vaccines and an ongoing measles outbreak, parents like me face unfamiliar hurdles to protecting our kids.