Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Animals
‘The Last Unicorn’ takes readers on quest to see a saola
Nature writer William deBuys introduces readers to the enigmatic saola of Southeast Asia.
- Science & Society
NCAA tournament puts prediction strategies to the test
When it comes to strategies for building the most winning bracket during March Madness, all bets are off.
- Science & Society
Forensic analysis finds ‘Blurred Lines’ case not so clear
In March, courts ruled that the song “Blurred Lines” borrowed from Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give it Up.” But a closer look finds the songs aren’t all that alike.
- Science & Society
White House unveils strategy against antibiotic resistance
The Obama Administration has launched a long-term plan to curb antibiotic resistance, unveiling incentives and requirements designed to boost surveillance and diagnosis of resistant microbes.
- Astronomy
Enigmatic 17th century nova wasn’t a nova at all
A nova observed in 1670 was actually two stars colliding, new evidence suggests.
- Life
No-fishing scheme in Great Barrier Reef succeeds with valuable fishes
Coral trout are thriving in marine protected areas in the Great Barrier Reef, but the no-take zones are having a smaller effect on other reef residents, a new 10-year report card shows.
- Science & Society
John Nash, Louis Nirenberg share math’s Abel Prize
John Nash and Louis Nirenberg will receive the 2015 ‘Nobel of mathematics’ for their work on partial differential equations.
- Psychology
Rethinking light’s speed, helping young adults with autism and more reader feedback
Readers discuss the best ways to replicate findings in scientific studies, help teenagers with autism transition to adulthood, and more.
- Humans
The expressive face of human history on display
Busts on display in an Italian exhibit flesh out hominid skulls using the latest in 3-D reconstruction.
- Tech
‘Rust’ chronicles humankind’s incessant battle with corrosion
‘Rust’ recounts humanity’s unending battle against corrosion, which each year costs the United States an estimated $437 billion — more than all natural disasters combined.
- Genetics
Protein comparisons proposed in 1960s for tracking evolution
In 1965, two scientists spotted molecular signatures of primate divergence. The tool became widespread for studying evolution – and one researcher’s career ended in crime.
- Health & Medicine
CDC panel gives thumbs up to vaccine against nine HPV types
A federal vaccine advisory committee voted February 26 to recommend use of an expanded version of the human papillomavirus shot marketed as Gardasil.
