Hours of research by our editors, distilled into minutes of clarity.
Hundreds of plants, animals, and fungi in the US are nonnative species that impact the broader ecosystem. See the distribution of thistles, knapweeds, cress, and more by selecting which species to show on this rich database and map tool.
Cancer cells divide much more frequently than most normal cells. Most chemotherapy drugs are designed to interfere with cell division, thereby targeting harmful cells while attempting to leave healthy cells alone.
In recent years, researchers have discovered ticks can induce spontaneous meat allergies in people they bite, a particularly problematic condition for previous meat lovers. This 18-minute podcast from RadioLab breaks down the cause.
Gravity can cause gaps, such as those in the chambers of a 3D-printed heart, to collapse before stem cells, hydrogels, and biochemicals bind together during the bioprinting process. Rather than Earth's surface, some bioprinting is done on the International Space Station, where defective organs are also printed to test treatment methods.
The eyes really are the windows to the soul.
Some vaccines, like those for measles, rely on weakened versions of a virus. These weakened pathogens are introduced into the body, triggering an immune response and helping the immune system learn to protect itself against stronger versions of the virus. (This also explains why some vaccines make you feel under the weather.)
The Death Cap, also known as amanita phalloides, is the most fatal mushroom on the planet, responsible for roughly 90% of the world's mushroom deaths per year. Ingestion of the mushroom wreaks havoc on the liver and kidneys, frequently leading to...
Although it provides a defense against insects trying to eat caffeine-bearing plants, the molecule is an example of exaptation, where its original function was repurposed over time. Studies show that some plants now produce caffeine-laced nectar to help pollinators move more quickly and pollinate more efficiently.
Digestive enzymes break down long chains of complex sugars into simple monosaccharides, while the fanning of their wings helps honeybees evaporate water away. This process increases the acidity of the resulting honey, increasing its shelf life when sealed in beeswax.
An interactive exploration of a small town, a chemical plant and the residents’ desperate fight for clean air.
Since our ancient human relatives began using stone tools to perform tasks, humans have harnessed scientific knowledge and new technologies to expand the boundaries of our understanding of the natural world. From quantum computing and microplastics to artificial intelligence and memory, explore these topics and more with our concise yet informative overviews and expert-curated resources.