How many stars are there in space?
Scientists have a good estimate on the staggering number of stars in the universe.
September 20, 2021
49
Technology
New treatments for COVID-19 may stave off the worst effects of the virus
Medications to treat COVID-19 are in no way a substitute for the vaccine. But under the right circumstances, some show great…
September 20, 2021
87
How many satellites are orbiting Earth?
In the past decade, the number of satellites in orbit has skyrocketed thanks to tiny electronics and cheap launches. The…
September 17, 2021
58
Apple's plan to scan your phone raises the stakes on a key question: Can you trust Big Tech?
Big Tech makes a lot of promises about protecting privacy, but the reality is that using the industry’s products is a…
September 14, 2021
85
What happens when your foot falls asleep?
An exercise physiologist explains how it’s a problem of communication between your brain and your body.
September 13, 2021
62
How 'engagement' makes you vulnerable to manipulation and misinformation on social media
You have evolved to tap into the wisdom of the crowds. But on social media your cognitive biases can lead you astray.
September 10, 2021
95
Data science education lacks a much-needed focus on ethics
Undergraduate programs are springing up across the US to meet the burgeoning demand for workers trained in big data. Yet…
September 8, 2021
226
Elon Musk’s Tesla Bot raises serious concerns – but probably not the ones you think
If you see the Tesla Bot as a joke or a harbinger of a dystopian future, you could be missing the real threat, which has…
September 7, 2021
267
Why are planets round?
Gravity, mass and centrifugal force all contribute to the final shape of a planet.
September 7, 2021
54
5 reasons video games should be more widely used in school
While China has taken steps to rein in the playing of video games among students during the school week, a U.S. scholar…
September 3, 2021
93
Feds are increasing use of facial recognition systems – despite calls for a moratorium
Politicians of all stripes, computer professionals and even big-tech executives are calling on government to hit the brakes…
September 1, 2021
98
Zinc-infused proteins are the secret that allows scorpions, spiders and ants to puncture tough skin
Many small animals make their teeth and claws from a smooth blend of proteins and heavy elements. These materials can form…
September 1, 2021
69
Breathing wildfire smoke can affect the brain and sperm, as well as the lungs
Here are some of the ways wildfire smoke particles or the inflammatory signals they cause could reach the brain and what…
August 30, 2021
157
What happens when the COVID-19 vaccines enter the body – a road map for kids and grown-ups
An infectious disease doctor explains the science behind COVID-19 vaccines at a level that children – and adults – of…
August 30, 2021
107
Poison ivy can work itchy evil on your skin – here's how
Two dermatologists explain the itchy and unpleasant allergic reaction this plant can cause in up to 90% of people who encounter…
August 27, 2021
61
Vaccines could affect how the coronavirus evolves - but that's no reason to skip your shot
A 2015 paper on chicken virus evolution is being taken out of context and used to fuel fears about COVID-19 vaccines. Its…
August 27, 2021
111
Scientists are using new satellite tech to find glow-in-the-dark milky seas of maritime lore
When conditions are just right in some parts of the Indian Ocean, a type of bacteria will multiply and start to glow. Satellites…
August 26, 2021
56
Pregnant or worried about infertility? Get vaccinated against COVID-19
A COVID-19 vaccine does not cause infertility – but it can protect you from the dangerous complications of contracting…
August 25, 2021
108
Bat pups babble and bat moms use baby talk, hinting at the evolution of human language
Vocal imitation is a key part of how humans learn to speak. New research shows that bats babble to learn and use baby talk…
August 19, 2021
61
When hotter and drier means more – but eventually less – wildfire
Not all forests respond to hotter and drier conditions in the same way.
August 19, 2021
115