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Microbes

Scientists have found the first known microbes that can eat only viruses

Lab experiments show that Halteria ciliates can chow down solely on viruses. Whether these “virovores” do the same in the wild is unclear.

Animals

These adorable Australian spike-balls beat the heat with snot bubbles

An echidna’s snot bubbles coat the spiny critter’s nose with moisture, which then evaporates and draws heat from the sinus, cooling the blood.

Chemistry

These chemists cracked the code to long-lasting Roman concrete

Roman concrete has stood the test of time, so scientists searched ruins to unlock the ancient recipe that could help architecture and climate change.

Climate

Cyclones in the Arctic are becoming more intense and frequent

Over the last 70 years, boreal storms have steadily grown stronger. And climate change may make them worse, threatening both people and sea ice.

Physics

A powerful laser can redirect lightning strikes

In a mountaintop experiment, a laser beamed into the sky created a virtual lightning rod that snagged several bolts before they hit the ground.

Chemistry

How rare earth elements’ hidden properties make modern technology possible

Because of their unique chemistry, the rare earth elements can fine-tune light for many different purposes and generate powerful magnetic fields.

Health & Medicine

Here’s what you need to know about COVID’s XBB.1.5 ‘Kraken’ variant

XBB.1.5, an offshoot of the coronavirus’s omicron variant, can hide from parts of the immune system, but vaccines and some treatments still work.

Planetary Science

Enceladus is blanketed in a thick layer of snow

Pits on the Saturnian moon reveal the surprising depth of the satellite’s snow, suggesting its plume was more active in the past.

Science & Society

Sea life offers a lens for self-exploration in ‘How Far the Light Reaches’

In a collection of essays profiling 10 marine animals, author Sabrina Imbler mixes in stories of their own family, self-discovery, sexuality and healing.

Health & Medicine

HDL ‘good’ cholesterol isn’t always good for heart health

High levels of HDL cholesterol don’t appear to protect against heart disease, while harm from low levels may depend on race, a study reports.

Astronomy

The James Webb telescope found ‘Green Pea’ galaxies in the early universe

The James Webb telescope spotted tiny “green” galaxies that might have helped trigger a dramatic cosmic makeover more than 13 billion years ago.

Earth

Rare earth mining may be key to our renewable energy future. But at what cost?

We take you inside Mountain Pass, the only rare earth mine in the United States.