Basic Research

What if we could put our plastic trash to good use?

By Jamie Leventhal

Humans produce 420 million tons of plastic annually, most of which lands in the environment. With these two innovations, plastic could have a useful second life.

In Kavanaugh debate, ‘boys will be boys’ is an unscientific excuse for assault

By Nsikan Akpan

Scientists debunk four myths about teenage brains, sexual aggression and what we remember about assault.

Scientists gave octopuses some molly. Here’s what happened.

By Jamie Leventhal

Two scientists drugged some cephalopods and were surprised to find that their reactions to MDMA were similar to those of humans, despite massive evolutionary differences.

World’s largest scientific society adopts policy against harassment. Will it work?

By Jamie Leventhal

In response to a #TimesUp movement, the American Association for the Advancement of Science passed measures on Saturday to tackle harassment.

Maps: Here’s where flooding from Florence could be the worst

By Julia Griffin

Hurricane Florence is predicted to bring a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet to parts of North Carolina, threatening residents and wild horses alike. But even after the storm passes, officials warn flooding could persist in the region for…

Meet the scientist behind these stunning images of Jupiter

By Vicky Stein

Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, a planetary scientist, has been photographing celestial bodies for decades. But for the Juno mission, her collaborators are citizen scientists.

Why red tide isn’t red and other myths about algae blooms

By Nsikan Akpan

The question as to why they make toxins in the first place is one of the great mysteries of marine science.

How seeing a political logo can impair your understanding of facts

By Nsikan Akpan

Political symbols have a sneaky influence on your brain, according to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania.

Does formaldehyde cause leukemia? A delayed EPA report may hold the answer

By Amanda Grennell

An EPA report on formaldehyde, more than a decade in the making, still hasn't been released to the public.

Hundreds say #TimesUp for world’s largest scientific organization to address sexual harassment

By Jamie Leventhal

An open letter to the American Association for the Advancement of Science calls on the society to address harassment within its ranks and strip honors from those who are revealed to be harassers.