Science

Cicadas strike back four years early. But why?

By Julia Griffin

University of Maryland entomologist Mike Raupp explores why cicadas have emerged ahead of schedule and whether climate change is a factor.

Column: Fidget toys and why your kid’s brain loves them

By Katherine Isbister, The Conversation

A psychologist dives into fidget items and the science behind why people seek such distractions.

Glass spheres forged by volcanic lightning offer clues about eruptions

By Dave Berndtson

Scientists have developed a new way to analyze volcanic eruptions -- with lightning -- that is cost effective, relatively simple and safe.

What this apple-picking robot means for the future of farm workers

By Andrew Wagner

Abundant Robotics has built an automated apple picker, which could make agricultural labor shortages a thing of the past.

After compulsively watching YouTube, teenage girl lands in rehab for ‘digital addiction’

By Lesley McClurg, KQED Science

Digital addictions are not official mental disorders. But researchers see the same patterns in digital addictions as in other substance abuse.

Everything you need to know about the ‘WannaCrypt’ ransomware attack

By Andrew Wagner

While governments and corporations scramble to perform damage control for WannaCrypt ransomware, here’s what we know about the origins of this cyber attack, who might be to blame and what you can do to protect yourself.

This tiny island with no humans is getting buried in plastic trash

By Nsikan Akpan

Henderson Island, a remote locale in the South Pacific, is covered with 37.7 million pieces of plastic debris -- the highest density ever recorded in the world for a beach.

When Atlantic City floods, low-income neighborhoods are left underwater

By John Upton, Climate Central

New Jersey's working class have been left behind, as federal funds for Hurricane Sandy recovery and flooding problems have gone to wealthier neighbors.

Glaciers will disappear from mainland U.S. in our lifetime, scientists say

By Dayana Morales Gomez

Of the estimated 150 glaciers that existed when Glacier National Park was created in Montana back in 1910, only 26 remain.

Column: Why big data analysis of police activity is inherently biased

By William Isaac, Andi Dixon, The Conversation

New research argues predictive policing tools reinforce, rather than reimagine, existing police practices, which could lead to further targeting of communities or people of color.