Science
This Is Why It's Nearly Impossible to Study Pain
A fundamental understanding of what pain is continues to evade scientists.
Investigating the Development of the Modern-Day Zoo
Zoo scholar Natascha Meuser reflects on the connection between zoo architecture and the natural environment, the balance between science and slick branding, and the zoo building's hybrid role as a prison, theater, and museum.
What Can Texas Learn From the Netherlands About Flood Prevention?
A worst-case scenario hurricane could threaten large swaths of southern Texas. Flood experts from the Netherlands are attempting to mitigate the damage.
Investigating Sneezes Can Reveal How Different Pathogens Spread
For over 80 years, our understanding of the spread of airborne illness hasn't changed, but one researcher is working to redefine how we think about sneeze transmission.
New Research Shows the Deadly Effect of Neurons on Cancerous Tumors
It appears that tumors can co-opt the signals neurons produce in order to grow, indicating that neurons and cancer cells together might be a dangerous duo.
California's Central Valley Is Designing the Future of American Agriculture
Inside a climate-controlled laboratory at the Duarte Nursery outside Modesto, an experiment is taking place that could help determine what food we will eat for decades to come.
The First Moon Landing Was Achieved With Less Computing Power Than a Calculator
It is often said that we now have more computing power in our pocket than the computer aboard Apollo 11 did 50 years ago. But is that true? And, if so, how much more powerful are our phones?
A Proposed New Law Could Help Reduce Sexual Harassment in the Sciences
The Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act would compel America's science agencies to hold taxpayer-funded labs accountable for harassment.
America's Science Agencies' Sexual Harassment Policies Are Still Super Confusing, an Investigation Finds
A few years into science's #MeToo movement, the government agencies that fund American science are still working on solidifying rules meant to keep harassers from working with students, and to deter harassment in the future.
We Need Long-Term Ecological Research More Than Ever. Who's Going to Pay for It?
The information gathered in long-term studies helps scientists see how climate change is affecting our planet, yet money often goes to shorter-term projects.
Coca-Cola's Research Contracts Allowed It to Kill Unfavorable Studies
A new study finds the industry giant was frequently given the right to oversee and even terminate public-sector research.
How Scientists Are Using Selfies to Challenge Stereotypes
Many scientists have flocked to Instagram and other social media platforms to share science more accessibly.
How Much Did the Black Hole Photo Cost?
Imaging a supermassive black hole takes a massive amount of funding.
One Way to Fight for Equity in Science: Nominate More Minorities for Big Prizes
Many such prizes don't even come with award money, but they boost people's careers.
Remembering the Trailblazing Scientist Who Uncovered Nuclear Fallout in the Pacific
Katsuko Saruhashi made waves internationally when she tracked and raised a global alarm on the dangers of nuclear testing by the U.S.
How Arts Can Help Struggling Science Students Do Better
A new study finds that incorporating music and drawing during lessons can help kids retain what they've learned.
New Female Scientists Get $40,000 Less in Federal Grants Than New Male Ones, Study Finds
Bias in funding is an underappreciated barrier for women and underrepresented minorities in science.
The Director of a Major Science Funding Agency Apologizes for Taking So Long to Address Sexual Harassment in Science
The National Institutes of Health also released the numbers of scientists it has taken action against, in response to claims they harassed others.
Academic Scientists Are Fleeing Universities for the Private Sector
What's behind academia's revolving door?
How Wild Animals Cope With Icy Winter Temperatures
When the mercury plummets, are wildlife suffering or just going with the icy flow?
Trump Brings in New Science and Health Advisers
The Senate confirmed the president's picks to head the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the Census Bureau.
Nuclear Scientists Continue to Search for Undiscovered Isotopes
Nuclear researchers suspect that there are nearly 4,000 undiscovered nuclei that may help lead us to new machines and practices that benefit human life.
Will the New Congress Take Up Sexual Harassment in Science?
Several members of Congress are already eying legislation to require universities to report taxpayer-funded harassers to the government.
What America's Science Agencies Are Doing About Harassment
Activists are putting the pressure on the federal government to leverage its money against alleged sexual harassers.