Archive: Jan 2020

A bird known for “brood parasitism”, laying its eggs in other birds’ nests, also has a strong preference for more brightly colored offspring. A new study shows that the two behaviors are unrelated.

The Earth has warmed so much since the 1950s that scientists can detect climate change from literally any day of global weather since 2012.

CIFAR Fellows’s paper questions whether diabetes, heart attacks and strokes are actually non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Microbiota (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that spread flu, HIV/AIDS, may also carry NCDs. People with NCDs have damaged microbiota,…

by Isabella Grabski figures by Nicholas Lue It’s no secret that bias is present everywhere in our society, from our educational institutions to the criminal justice system. The manifestation of this bias can be as seemingly trivial as the timing of a…

Materials scientists have predicted and synthesized a new type of crystal made from the elements carbon and boron forming a diamond-strong, electrically conductive cage around other guest atoms.

by Aparna Nathan figures by Abagail Burrus Superheroes aren’t the only ones with riveting origin stories. As humans, where did we come from? How did we populate six continents? For hundreds of years, archaeology has tried to provide the answers by…

Scientists have developed a biodegradable ultrasound speaker that can be placed inside the brain. When activated, it makes the blood-brain barrier permeable, potentially allowing certain drugs such as brain cancer chemotherapy and antidepressants to…

Flu shots have an exciting new role in the world of cancer therapy! A recent study shows that flu vaccines could be used to boost the effects of cancer immunotherapy.

Betelguese, a star in the Orion constellation, was spotted dimming in December 2019. Despite news reports that this may signal an impending supernova, it is probably just part of the star's natural brightness cycles.

Is eating vegan really the best dietary way to limit your environmental impact? Study shows that eating sweets and at restaurants is associated with higher carbon footprints than eating meat.