All Stories

  1. 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.

    By Jonathan Lambert
  2. 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.

    By Lisa Grossman
  3. 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.

    By Manasee Wagh
  4. 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.

    By Sarah Zielinski and JoAnna Wendel
  5. 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.

    By Maria Temming
  6. 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.

    By Maria Temming
  7. 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.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  8. 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.

    By Jaime Chambers
  9. 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.

    By Maria Temming
  10. 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.

    By Beth Geiger
  11. Agriculture

    Potty-trained cows could help reduce pollution

    About a dozen calves have been trained to pee in a stall. Toilet training cows on a large scale could cut down on pollution, scientists say.

    By Maria Temming
  12. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Electron

    Electrons are negatively charged particles. They are attracted to the positively charged particles in the center, or nucleus, of an atom.

    By Maria Temming
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