Humans
- Health & Medicine
Snot Science: A snotty setup
We’ve got a video with a snotty experiment. Now we describe how you can do the same test yourself. Try it!
- Health & Medicine
Snot Science: Results are nothing to sneeze at
We tested a lot of snot, but now we need to figure out what our data mean. Here’s how to group and analyze our data.
- Health & Medicine
Snot Science: Taking mucus to the next level
There’s more to science than just squirting snot. It’s time to place data in context and figure out how to take my boogers to the next level.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: Tinnitus
Ever had ringing in your ears? Tinnitus is a condition in which you hear a persistent sound that isn’t there.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: Insulin
This chemical is a lifesaver. It helps our bodies use the sugars from our food, and without it, people develop diabetes.
- Earth
Editors’ top picks for 2016
From gravity waves to climate’s human impact and an exploration of post-election racism, we’ve covered the year’s major stories. Here what was most important.
By Janet Raloff - Health & Medicine
Outdoor time is good for your eyes
Being outdoors exposes children to bright light that can be good for their eyes. Spending just one extra daylight hour outdoors each week can substantially lower their chance of becoming nearsighted, a study finds.
- Environment
Food-like smell on plastic may lure seabirds to eat it
When plastic smells like supper, seabirds and other animals can be fooled into thinking it is food.
- Health & Medicine
High school vapers often become heavy smokers
New studies show e-cig ads promote vaping by teen — and their conversion to smoking tobacco.
- Brain
To reveal how the brain creates joy, start by tickling rats
Rats love a good tickle. Not only do they beg for more, but the action itself activates a part of the brain that detects touch, researchers find.
- Science & Society
Racism hurts
Hate crimes and harassment since the 2016 election affirm that racism still exists in America. Here’s what racism is, how it hurts and how people who witness it can respond.
- Science & Society
Five things students can do about racism
Racism plagues societies around the world and has since ancient times. But scientists who have studied its impacts offer suggestions on how to make it stop.