How ancient predator fish gave us our flexible joints
A new study from the University of Chicago has uncovered the surprising origin of the flexible joints that allow us to move our shoulders,...
Did life begin in giant soda lakes? New clues from ancient waters
How did life begin on Earth?
It’s a big question, and scientists believe that the element phosphorus may have played a key role.
Phosphorus is an...
Mapping the asteroid belt: Where do meteorites come from?
For the first time, scientists are creating a geologic map of the asteroid belt—the region between Mars and Jupiter filled with rocky space objects.
By...
The search for missing plane MH370 is back on: An underwater robotics expert explains...
More than 11 years after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, the Malaysian government has approved a new search for the missing debris...
Melting Andean glaciers put 90 million lives at risk, scientists warn
Scientists are warning that the glaciers high up in the Andes Mountains are melting fast—and this could put the water supply of 90 million...
How hidden water in Earth’s mantle might spark volcanoes
Scientists have long been puzzled by volcanoes that erupt far from the edges of tectonic plates—known as intraplate volcanoes.
These eruptions don’t follow the usual...
From dinosaurs to chickens: How feathers first evolved
Feathers are one of the most complex features found on animals, but where did they come from?
Scientists now believe that feathers didn’t just appear...
Golden Gate Bridge safety nets lead to 73% drop in suicides
The installation of safety nets on the Golden Gate Bridge has significantly reduced suicides, according to a new study published in Injury Prevention.
The research...
Volcanoes can preserve feathers in incredible detail, study finds
A 30,000-year-old vulture fossil discovered in Italy has revealed something surprising—volcanic ash can preserve microscopic details of feathers.
This is the first time scientists have...
Mysterious red lightning seen over the Himalayas
Have you ever heard of red lightning?
These incredible flashes, called "red sprites," are electrical discharges that happen high above thunderstorms.
They look like glowing red...