Archive: 2020

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.

Scientists find that diets high in fats and sugars can disrupt the body’s biological clock, leading to any-time snacking. This overconsumption was found to be dependent on the function of dopamine-regulating neurons in the “biological-clock” region of…

CRISPR is a highly effective immune system that defends bacteria from viruses. It was recently shown that some viruses have evolved counter-defenses that protect their DNA with a nucleus-like structure.

40 new species of fish have been found in Lake Mweru in East Africa. Breeding of related lineages may have allowed the cichlids to rapidly evolve to fill different ecological niches.