Science & Society

  1. Science & Society

    CO2 emissions have nosedived as COVID-19 keeps people home

    The COVID-19 pandemic restricted travel that can pollute the air. By April, travel-related daily emissions of greenhouse gases was back to 2006 levels.

    By Carolyn Gramling
  2. Tech

    Our gut microbes love a good workout

    Technology shows how microbes in the body respond to exercise. That helps scientists understand why those microbes keep athletes healthy.

    By Silke Schmidt
  3. Tech

    Sweat tech alerts athletes when to rehydrate — and with what

    Technology shows how the body responds to moderate and vigorous exercise. That helps athletes stay healthy — and helps scientists understand why.

    By Silke Schmidt
  4. Tech

    Why sports are becoming all about numbers — lots and lots of numbers

    Sports once focused on muscles, skill and tactics. Now math is becoming almost as important. It helps assess players — and improve their tools.

    By Silke Schmidt
  5. Physics

    Science offers recipes for homemade coronavirus masks

    New studies provide data on what types of mask materials protect best against the virus that causes COVID-19. They also point to the value of a really snug fit.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  6. Health & Medicine

    Loss of taste and smell may be top indicators of COVID-19

    Loss of a sense of taste and smell are not just possible symptoms of COVID-19. A study now argues they may be among the most predictive ones.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  7. Tech

    Tackling the novel coronavirus calls for novel ideas

    Teams around the world are proposing new innovations to fight COVID-19. Projects tackle supply shortages, new treatments, vaccines and more.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  8. Chemistry

    Let’s learn about forensic science

    Crime scene investigators analyze evidence with science, to connect criminals to crimes. And it’s often slower and different from what you see on TV.

    By Sarah Zielinski
  9. Science & Society

    Brainwaves of people with coarse, curly hair are now less hard to read

    Electrodes weren’t designed for people with coarse, curly hair. A redesign was needed, scientists say.

    By Laura Sanders
  10. Chemistry

    Rock Candy Science 2: No such thing as too much sugar

    Making rock candy at home takes a lot more sugar than you might think. Why? This experiment will show you why.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  11. Science & Society

    How much do masks help against COVID-19?

    There’s a range of masks available to the public. From purchased to home-made coverings, all should help — some a lot more than others.

    By Erin Garcia de Jesús and Tina Hesman Saey
  12. Health & Medicine

    Six foot social-distancing will not always be enough for COVID-19

    To avoid COVID-19, keeping a 6-foot social distance is a good rule of thumb. But for plenty of instances, that might not be nearly far enough.

    By Tina Hesman Saey