Science

When Poachers Kill Their Mothers, Elephant Daughters Hold Social Networks Together

Daughters maintain the social ties and relationships their mothers had built when they were alive.

10 Trippy Facts About Triops

Sorry, sea monkeys, but triops are so much cooler than you are.

Listening to Music Can Help Ease a Hangover

Happy New Year!

Mitochondria May Be the Missing Link in Understanding Stress Response

“This study will lead to a revolution in neuroscience," Wallace says. "Whether the neuroscientists will accept it is another question."

Why Do Babies' Eyes Change Color?

In this episode of 'Big Questions,' Craig answers a pressing question from one of our YouTube fans.

These Parrots Are the First Animals to Use Grinding Tools

Out of 300-plus parrot species, only a handful have been known to use tools. Now, a new study suggests that the greater vasa parrot (Coracopsis vasa) can be added to that short list.

12 Cool Species Discovered in 2015

The millipede Tasmaniosoma anubis was named after the jackal-headed Egyptian god Anubis because its genitals resemble the god’s ears and snout.

Just How Gross Are Library Books, Exactly?

That depends who you ask, and how you define “gross.”

5 Beautiful Weather Events to Look for on Your Winter Break

There are some pretty cool weather events you might be able to see on your travels.

Are There Good Viruses?

In this episode of 'Big Questions,' Craig answers a pressing question about germs from one of our YouTube viewers.

Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Leaves in Winter?

Have you ever wondered why some trees keep their leaves in winter when all the other leaves fall off?

Someday We May Be Able to Regrow Lost Teeth

Japanese scientists have found a way to grow several teeth from a single root.

Dive Into Old Whaling Logs to Help Scientists Better Understand Climate Change

Nearly half a million handwritten pages from whaling logs are waiting to be analyzed.

Screenshot by Rankin Bass, Wikimedia Commons // Fair Use

Why Rudolph’s Shiny Red Nose Makes Scientific Sense

… and there’s a good reason why Santa might want to hand those cookies over to him, too.

Eating in Front of a Mirror Can Make Junk Food Less Delicious

A scientist says our perception of taste can be affected by self-judgment.

The Falcon 9 Rocket Nailed the Landing Last Night. Here's Why That's Huge

If you want to go to space, you need a giant tube of fire.

The Science of the Solstice

A brief primer.

Human Sleep Is Very Efficient, Scientists Argue

Compared to other primates, humans have shorter and deeper periods of sleep.

6 Scientific Reasons Mondays Are the Worst

Have a case of the Mondays? Here's why.

Roads With Built-In Salt Could De-Ice Themselves

This seems like a no-brainer.

So, Where's All the Snow?

In many cases, we’ve never recorded this kind of warmth so close to the end of the year.

Reaching for the Soap to Clean That Cut? Try Salty Water Instead

A new study finds that saline water is more effective at cleaning wounds than soap.

Maja & Marko via Flickr // CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

This Artist Created a New Paint Inspired by Iridescent Butterfly Wings

Kate Nichols's latest work marries art with science.