Are ghosts real? A social psychologist examines the evidence
Ghosts can be spooky fun, but there’s no evidence they exist.
October 24, 2023
387
Technology
Let the community work it out: Throwback to early internet days could fix social media's crisis of l
In the days of online bulletin board systems, community members decided what was acceptable. Reviving that approach to content…
October 24, 2023
274
Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in scie
Some space rocks you can get for free – if you know how to identify them. Rarer materials cost more, and the asteroid…
October 24, 2023
305
A layered lake is a little like Earth’s early oceans − and lets researchers explore how oxygen built
An unusual lake with distinct layers of low-oxygen and high-iron water lets researchers investigate conditions like those…
October 23, 2023
266
Biological sex is far from binary − this college course examines the science of sex diversity in peo
Spanning evolutionary biology, genetics, development, neurobiology, endocrinology and psychology, as well as current events…
October 23, 2023
421
How much time do kids spend on devices – playing games, watching videos, texting and using the phone
Up to 50% of US teens feel they are addicted to their devices. But help is out there.
October 23, 2023
296
Why Google, Bing and other search engines' embrace of generative AI threatens $68 billion SEO indust
Search engines run by generative AI could fundamentally change the online ecosystem.
October 20, 2023
675
Quantum dots − a new Nobel laureate describes the development of these nanoparticles from basic rese
Louis Brus explains some of the foundational research – and how even the letter carrier wants to shake your hand when…
October 20, 2023
286
New class of recyclable polymer materials could one day help reduce single-use plastic waste
A team of scientists has developed a method for creating a new class of plastic materials that are potentially more recyclable…
October 19, 2023
426
Rancid food smells and tastes gross − AI tools may help scientists prevent that spoilage
Pantry food can go bad if exposed to oxygen, but an AI model might help develop more effective preservatives and keep food…
October 19, 2023
268
New technique uses near-miss particle physics to peer into quantum world − two physicists explain ho
Physicists uncovered a new experiment hidden in old data from the Large Hadron Collider. Using this innovative approach,…
October 17, 2023
294
Why is space so dark even though the universe is filled with stars?
An astronomer explains why space looks so dark despite containing 200 billion trillion stars.
October 16, 2023
295
An itching paradox – a molecule that triggers the urge to scratch also turns down inflammation in th
Itch-sensing neurons in your skin are intertwined with your immune cells. Counterintuitively, the molecule that connects…
October 13, 2023
344
Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system works well – here's how Hamas got around it
If Israel’s Iron Dome is the best air defense system in the world, how did so many Hamas missiles get through? An aerospace…
October 13, 2023
513
Astronomers have learned lots about the universe − but how do they study astronomical objects too di
Controlled experiments are impossible in astronomy, as are direct measurements of physical properties of objects outside…
October 12, 2023
245
Comets 101 − everything you need to know about the snow cones of space
There’s a flurry of excitement every time a comet comes into view from Earth. But what are these celestial objects, and…
October 11, 2023
265
Your immune system makes its own antiviral drug − and it's likely one of the most ancient
The human body has been making antivirals for eons, long before scientists did. A protein in your cells called viperin produces…
October 11, 2023
245
Cancer in kids is different from cancer in grown-ups – figuring out how could lead to better pediatr
Children typically haven’t accumulated enough cellular damage to develop cancer. Because their bodies are still developing,…
October 10, 2023
231
Spicy food might burn in the moment, but it likely won't harm your health in the long term
After a 14-year-old died doing a viral spicy chip challenge, many parents have called for more awareness about the risks…
October 10, 2023
268
How a disgruntled scientist looking to prove his food wasn't fresh discovered radioactive tracers an
Some Nobel Prize-winning ideas originate in strange places, but still go on to revolutionize the scientific field. George…
October 5, 2023
277