Humans

Educators and Parents, Sign Up for The Cheat Sheet
Weekly updates to help you use Science News Explores in the learning environment
Thank you for signing up!
There was a problem signing you up.
- Fossils
50 years on, Lucy offers lessons for achieving fossil fame
Since the discovery of Lucy's skeleton in 1974, a catchy name and ongoing scientific debates have kept this human ancestor in the spotlight.
By Bruce Bower - Archaeology
Let’s learn about ancient pyramids
You may have heard of pyramids built in ancient Egypt — but what about ones built elsewhere in Africa, Europe and the Americas?
- Earth
Earthquakes upped the death toll at Pompeii
Broken bodies found at a house in Pompeii suggest that earthquakes played a role in the legendary tragedy.
- Health & Medicine
Why you shouldn’t just brush off dandruff
Research points to certain yeast and bacteria as culprits behind some dandruff. Special shampoos or prescription cleansers can help.
- Health & Medicine
Science works to demystify hair and help it behave
Research explores new ways to classify hair — from loose curls to tight coils — along with ways to control it and improve its looks and health.
- Brain
Why we aren’t really ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’
The idea that we use different sides of the brains to be creative or logical is popular — but it’s not supported by science. Here’s why.
By RJ Mackenzie - Archaeology
An Egyptian mummy’s silent ‘scream’ hints at her violent death
A rare muscle stiffening known as a cadaveric spasm might explain the mummy’s open-mouthed expression.
By Bruce Bower - Science & Society
Scientists Say: Dialect
Different dialects of the same language have distinct words, pronunciations and sentence structures.
- Psychology
Struggling to find happiness? Here are some paths to positivity
Teens can become happier by being kind to themselves and connecting with others — in person, rather than online.
- Brain
Here’s why being creative is good for your brain
Neuroarts, a new field of science, is finding that exposure to arts can improve learning, behavior and mental health.
- Animals
In 2024, bird flu posed big risks — and to far more than birds
Cows, elephant seals and polar bears are among unexpected bird flu casualties. Learn about potential risks to them, to people and to our food supplies.
- Animals
Can furry pets get H5N1 bird flu and spread it to us?
The 2024 pandemic-style bird flu circulating in birds has shown up in cats and other pet species.