All Stories

  1. Planets

    NASA’s Perseverance rover grabbed its first Martian rocks

    Two finger-sized pieces of stone drilled from a basalt rock are the first bits of Mars ready to be brought to Earth.

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  2. Animals

    Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer drinking with friends

    Vampire bats were known to bond with others in their roost. Now, research suggests bonded bats often drink blood from animals together.

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  3. Brain

    Ask the experts: How to create a top-notch science fair project

    Five finalists in the Broadcom MASTERS middle-school competition reveal how they created nationally competitive projects.

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  4. Planets

    Pluto is no longer a planet — or is it?

    In the 15 years since Pluto lost its status as a planet, some scientists continue to use whatever definition works best for them.

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  5. Materials Science

    Bacteria make ‘spider silk’ that’s stronger than steel

    Part spider silk, the material is better than what some spiders make. Researchers think it might make the basis for surgical threads or unusually strong fabrics.

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  6. Animals

    Let’s learn about the creatures of Halloween

    Check out the real-life vampires and zombies of the animal kingdom, and learn why people think ghosts and mummy curses are real.

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  7. Animals

    Cockatoos learn from each other how to open garbage bins

    The bin-opening behavior is an example of social learning. It’s also the basis of a foraging culture. Learn more in this web comic.

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  8. Animals

    Scientists Say: Marsupial

    These mammals are known for riding around in a pouch on their mother’s belly, where they continue developing after they’re born.

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  9. Brain

    It doesn’t take a concussion for head hits to harm young brains

    Most head impacts while playing football do not cause concussions. Yet even lesser impacts take a toll in young athletes, scans of their brains show.

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  10. Science & Society

    Racism lurks in many plant and animal names. That’s now changing

    Racist legacies linger in everyday lingo for birds, plants and other organisms. Some scientists now see the chance to change that.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Gender-affirming care improves the mental health of transgender youth

    Several states have tried to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. That goes against medical guidelines.

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  12. Earth

    Here’s how ice needles can sculpt natural rock art

    Striking stone patterns adorn remote cold landscapes the world over. The recipe for these adornments: Freeze, thaw, repeat.

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