Earth & Environment
Cameras attached to whale sharks capture krill chases never witnessed before
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus)—the world's biggest fish—are one of the most charismatic marine species.
They connect with the hearts of anyone lucky enough to encounter...
1.4-Million-Year-Old Footprints Reveal Giant Human Relative and Surprising Social Life
A remarkable set of fossil footprints discovered in Kenya is giving scientists a rare look at how one of humanity's ancient relatives lived more...
Spring daylight saving time may raise the risk of eye disease
Changing the clocks for daylight saving time may do more than make people feel tired.
A new study suggests that the one-hour time change could...
Could Purple Corn Replace Artificial Food Dyes?
A special type of purple corn may soon help replace artificial food dyes in many foods and drinks, according to new research from the...
1789 Smallpox Epidemic May Have Killed Up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians, Study Finds
A new study has used computer modeling to provide one of the clearest pictures yet of the devastating smallpox epidemic that struck Indigenous Australians...
Fossilized wood preserved 300 million years of Earth’s history
Most people think of fossilized wood as an attractive stone displayed in museums or sold as a decorative souvenir.
However, scientists have now discovered that...
Did the dinosaur-killing asteroid really shape tuna evolution?
For years, many scientists believed that the asteroid impact that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago also helped shape the evolution...
How School Air Pollution Could Affect Children’s Health for Years to Come
When parents think about air pollution, they often worry about asthma or coughing.
However, a large European study suggests that dirty air may also quietly...
This clever parakeet helped design its own perch
Most products made for pets are designed entirely by humans. But what if animals could help design the things they use?
A new project suggests...
Ancient Monsoons Created a Spectacular Dinosaur Fossil Site
Around 80 million years ago, a stretch of tropical coastline in what is now northeastern Italy was lashed by monsoon rains and tropical cyclones.
Those...
Ancient marine animals began living in empty shells 470 million years ago
Around 470 million years ago, life in Earth's oceans took an important evolutionary step when marine animals began moving into empty seashells for the...
Why handheld fans are not cool for the planet
Portable handheld fans are now often stacked beside chewing gum and vapes at supermarket checkouts and discount stores, available for less than £10.
Once mainly...
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Life on earth might really have started with clay
In mythologies and origin stories around the world, various cultures and religions point to clay as the vessel of life, the primordial material that...
Ancient DNA reveals the world’s oldest family tree
Analysis of ancient DNA from one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs in Britain has revealed that most of the people buried there were from...
How investors can hedge against inflation in times of uncertainty
Inflation generally makes share market investors nervous.
Inflation, or the decrease in the purchasing power of money, is reflected in a general increase in the...
The sticky problem of lunar dust gets a mathematical solution
Apollo astronauts discovered an unexpected enemy on the Moon. Fine dust, kicked up by their movements and attracted by static electricity, coated everything.
It found...
Continents slowly “peel away” to create ocean volcanoes, study finds
A team of Earth scientists has discovered that continents are slowly peeling apart from below—sending fragments deep into the oceanic mantle, where they can...
Warren Buffett: My view about self-driving cars and trucks
The auto industry has been working on autonomous driving for years.
In some cities, people can already hop in a driverless taxi, and many companies...
The ants go marching … methodically
When strolling through an unfamiliar grocery store, you may find yourself methodically walking down each aisle to ensure you find everything you need without...
Living near fast food restaurants may raise risk of type 2 diabetes
Scientists from Imperial College found that living near fast-food restaurants increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The research is published in PLOS Medicine...