Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

  1. Computing

    These young scientists are passionate about tech and math

    The 2015 Broadcom MASTERS International delegates show why math and computer skills are key to the success of science-fair projects.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  2. Health & Medicine

    How this vitamin can foster pimples

    Oh no! Vitamin B12 can cause skin bacteria to secrete chemicals that cause zits.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  3. Animals

    Biowarfare saves bats from killer fungus

    Good news for bats. Those infected with white-nose syndrome may be cured by a brief exposure to fumes from therapeutic bacteria.

    By Stephen Ornes
  4. Plants

    Using plants to solve environmental problems

    Problems in their communities suggested good research projects to three teens. Each wanted to tackle a different issue, from pollution to world hunger. To learn more about these issues, they turned to their local ponds, wetlands and gardens.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  5. Tech

    This door handle kills germs

    A high-tech door handle may cut down on disease transmission, say its teen developers. The system is powered by simply opening and closing the door.

    By Sid Perkins
  6. Ecosystems

    Scientists Say: Taphonomy

    Studying what happens to plants and animals after they die can teach us about ecosystems and evolution. This study has a special name.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  7. Microbes

    The bugs within us

    Hordes of bacteria live inside people and other animals. This ‘microbiome’ can affect the development of the blood-brain barrier, food choices — even mating.

    By Roberta Kwok
  8. Plants

    Picture This: The world’s biggest seed

    This monster seed develops on a super-slow-growing island palm. Key to that palm’s survival are leaves that funnel fertilized water to nutrient-starved roots.

    By Susan Milius
  9. Animals

    Pesticides offer bees a risky allure

    Honeybees and bumblebees sometimes cannot taste or avoid pesticides called neonicotinoids. And that may expose some of these important pollinators to harm.

    By Susan Milius
  10. Animals

    Return of the bed bug

    Bed bugs have staged a comeback over the past 15 years. The bloodsucking parasites succeeded through a combination of evolution and luck.

    By Brooke Borel
  11. Animals

    Scientists feed bed bugs (on purpose)

    To study bed bugs in the lab, scientists had to first learn how to keep the blood-thirsty critters well fed. And that proved easier said than done.

    By Brooke Borel
  12. Animals

    4 reasons not to ignore signs of bed bugs

    Here are important reasons not to ignore signs of bed bugs. Above all, an infestation carries real risks to your health and wellbeing.

    By Brooke Borel