All Stories

  1. Environment

    Bees and butterflies struggle to find flowers in polluted air

    Emissions from cars and trucks make it harder for insects to find flowers. That in turn reduces flower visits and pollination, a new study finds.

    By
  2. Physics

    Explainer: How do mass and weight differ?

    Learn why these terms aren’t the same and which to use where. And should you report your results in kilograms? Pounds? If in doubt, try using newtons.

    By
  3. Life

    Scientists Say: Eukaryote

    Eukaryotes are living things whose cells package their genetic material inside a pouch called a nucleus.

    By
  4. Physics

    Why some icicles become scallops not spikes

    The newfound — and at times quirky — shapes reflect the density of water surrounding submerged ice.

    By
  5. Environment

    Widely used pesticides may threaten Earth’s ozone layer

    Data show a major class of long-used “eco-friendly” copper chemicals unexpectedly react with soil, making gases harmful to Earth’s protective ozone layer.

    By
  6. Animals

    See the world through a jumping spider’s eyes — and other senses

    Scientists are teasing out the many ways the spiders’ vision, listening and taste senses differ from ours

    By
  7. Animals

    Goldfish driving ‘cars’ offer new insight into navigation

    Fishes’ internal sense of direction is not limited to their natural environment. The latest Wild Things cartoon from Science News for Students.

    By and
  8. Earth

    Let’s learn about tornadoes

    Tornadoes are often spawned by thunderstorms — but can also emerge from hurricanes and wildfires.

    By
  9. Environment

    Scientists Say: Pollution

    Pollution is any substance or form of energy released into the environment that is harmful to people or other living creatures.

    By
  10. Space

    Wild art? No, it’s a radio image of the heart of our Milky Way

    Eyelash-like radio filaments accent the brightest feature in this image — a supermassive black hole.

    By
  11. Environment

    Clothes dryers may be a major source of airborne microplastics

    Scientists thought washing machines were a leading contributor of microplastics. Now it appears dryers may be an even bigger problem.

    By
  12. Psychology

    Addiction can develop when reward-seeking changes a teen’s brain

    Over time, the pleasure disappears and craving grows. That craving causes stress that can drive people to use drugs or pursue unhealthy behaviors again and again.

    By