It’s clear that genes, receptors and neurons all play a role in detecting odors. But much of how we make sense of what we sniff remains mysterious. A neuroscientist explains.
These Proteins Have Been Secretly Managing Your Cells
Scientists have long known that histones spool DNA and help regulate genes. They may be doing a lot more.
Scientists have long known that histones spool DNA and help regulate genes. They may be doing a lot more.
Divided We Stand: The Rise of Political Animosity
Scientists peered into the partisan abyss. Here’s what they found.
Scientists peered into the partisan abyss. Here’s what they found.
The Dirt on Biocrusts: Why Scientists Are Working to Save Earth’s Living Skin
Think twice before stepping on that crunchy top layer of soil. It may be a vital ecosystem — one that you can help protect.
Think twice before stepping on that crunchy top layer of soil. It may be a vital ecosystem — one that you can help protect.
The Tussle Over Cigarette Warning Labels, and the Hazy Future of Vaping
Regulatory hurdles, industry objections and legal fights have gone on for decades over traditional tobacco. What’s in store for the next generation of smoking?
Regulatory hurdles, industry objections and legal fights have gone on for decades over traditional tobacco. What’s in store for the next generation of smoking?
What a Bioluminescent Petunia Had to Teach Me
I bought a glowing plant. It led me down a rabbit hole of radiant mushrooms, 19th century experiments and a modern rivalry between scientists in Russia and the Americas.
I bought a glowing plant. It led me down a rabbit hole of radiant mushrooms, 19th century experiments and a modern rivalry between scientists in Russia and the Americas.
Saturn’s Moon Mimas May Hide a Surprisingly Young Ocean
The existence of another watery world in the outer solar system may offer clues to how such seas form — and hope for another spot to search for life
The existence of another watery world in the outer solar system may offer clues to how such seas form — and hope for another spot to search for life
The Phageome: A Hidden Kingdom Within Your Gut
Human innards are teeming with viruses that infect bacteria. What are they up to?
Human innards are teeming with viruses that infect bacteria. What are they up to?
New Forms of Steel for Stronger, Lighter Cars
Automakers are tweaking production processes to create a slew of new steels with just the right properties, allowing them to build cars that are both safer and more fuel-efficient
Automakers are tweaking production processes to create a slew of new steels with just the right properties, allowing them to build cars that are both safer and more fuel-efficient
Air Pollution Makes It Harder for Bees to Smell Flowers
Contaminants can alter plant odors and warp insects’ senses, disrupting the process of pollination
Contaminants can alter plant odors and warp insects’ senses, disrupting the process of pollination
Are You a Workaholic? Here’s How to Spot the Signs
In a major shift, psychologists now view an out-of-control compulsion to work as an addiction with its own set of risk factors and consequences
In a major shift, psychologists now view an out-of-control compulsion to work as an addiction with its own set of risk factors and consequences
Understanding the Sudden Rise of Type 2 Diabetes in Children
The metabolic disorder was long known as a disease of adulthood. Now, it’s spiking in kids and teens, with worrisome consequences.
The metabolic disorder was long known as a disease of adulthood. Now, it’s spiking in kids and teens, with worrisome consequences.
Of Genes, Chromosomes and Oratorios
Jenny Graves has spent her life mapping genes and comparing genomes. Now she’s created a musical opus about evolution of life on this planet — bringing the same drive and experimentalism she brought to the study of marsupial chromosomes.
Jenny Graves has spent her life mapping genes and comparing genomes. Now she’s created a musical opus about evolution of life on this planet — bringing the same drive and experimentalism she brought to the study of marsupial chromosomes.
It’s Not Just Us: Other Animals Change Their Social Habits in Old Age
In patterns that may sound familiar, long-term studies reveal what elderly deer, sheep and macaques are up to in their twilight years
In patterns that may sound familiar, long-term studies reveal what elderly deer, sheep and macaques are up to in their twilight years
Animals Use Physics? Let Us Count the Ways
Cats twist and snakes slide, exploiting and negotiating physical laws. Scientists are figuring out how.
Cats twist and snakes slide, exploiting and negotiating physical laws. Scientists are figuring out how.
To Help With Climate Change, Carbon Capture Will Have to Evolve
The technologies are a useful tool to reduce CO2 levels but have yet to move us away from fossil fuels
The technologies are a useful tool to reduce CO2 levels but have yet to move us away from fossil fuels