An asteroid may have exploded over Antarctica about 2.5 million years ago
Around 2.5 million years ago, an asteroid may have exploded over Antarctica. The evidence comes from a chemical analysis of…
The smallest known molecular knot is made of just 54 atoms
Imagine a knot so small that it can’t be seen with the naked eye. Then think even smaller. Chemists have…
Bacteria that can make humans sick could survive on Mars
Future interplanetary explorers beware: Hitchhiking bacteria brought to Mars on human bodies might not only survive the harsh conditions on…
50 years ago, trilobite eyes mesmerized scientists
Trilobite eyes: An impressive feat of early evolution— Science News, February 2, 1974 [Trilobites] possessed the most sophisticated eye lenses…
Explore the expected life spans of different dog breeds
For a dog, it’s good to be small and have a long nose. In the United Kingdom, breeds matching that…
‘Nuts and Bolts’ showcases the 7 building blocks of modern engineering
Nuts and BoltsRoma AgrawalW.W. Norton & Co., $29.99 What do you get when you pose a challenge, weave in a…
A four-holed piece of ivory provides a glimpse into ancient rope-making
A mammoth ivory tool unearthed in central Europe has offered a peek at how teamwork enabled Stone Age folks to…
Bird flu viruses may pack tools that help them infect human cells
Bird flu viruses may pack a little taste of home to help them adapt to life in new hosts. Viruses…
A pivotal quantum theory holds up even in extreme electric fields
To put one of physicists’ most important theories to the test, scientists go to extremes. Extremely strong electromagnetic fields, that…
Parrots can move along thin branches using ‘beakiation’
Parrots don’t just hang out for fun. To move along narrow branches, a parrot can hang from a branch with…
