A Dazzling Census of Our Cosmos Begins
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is beginning the widest, deepest survey yet of the southern sky.
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Curiosity, Perseverance and Promise? NASA May Send a Mars Rover to the Moon.
As part of plans to establish a lunar base, the space agency may send to the moon a spare test version of the rover — as well as a soccer …
N.I.H. Announces World’s Largest Integrated Health Database
It contains more than half a million people’s genomes, paired with clinical records and wearable tech data. That gives researchers unmatch…
NASA Aims to Catch a Falling Space Telescope and Push It Back Up
A rescue mission will soon be underway for NASA’s Swift telescope.
Turtles All the Way Down to … What Exactly?
The origin of turtles has puzzled scientists. A new study provides more evidence that these shelled reptiles share a common ancestor with cr…
This Trap Wants Ants to Take a Bite
Named for an ancient Roman crossbow-like weapon, the newly found “ballista” spider uses a springy snare to catch prey.
Richard Scolyer, Cancer Expert Who ‘Became His Own Subject,’ Dies at 59
His lifesaving melanoma research in Australia illuminated the treatment he underwent for his own brain tumor, an ordeal he courageously shar…
How a Bird’s Habitat Can Change Its Song
For the Bachman’s sparrow, whether a song is passed to the next generation could depend, in part, on the wind and trees.
Why the Venezuelan Earthquakes Happened, and What to Expect Next
Twin earthquakes like those that ripped through the region are unusual but not unheard of. Scientists are already gathering data needed for …
To Reveal the Rhythmic Roots of Laughter, Just Tickle an Ape
A study of chimps, gorillas and other great apes, including human children, sheds light on how laughter has evolved.
These Birds’ Backflips Are Fueled by Sugar
An ancient dietary change made the manakin’s flashy courtship display possible, a new study suggests.
Fruit Fly Sperm Are Giant. How Do They Stay Untangled?
A fruit fly’s sperm are exceptionally long, and thousands are crammed in together. The physics of this presents a packing nightmare.