Archive

Latest Articles

Under Pressure, Does Evolution Evolve?

January 15, 2014

Some organisms respond to stress by driving up their mutation rate. Are they evolving specific mechanisms to enhance evolution in times of crisis?

A Missing Genetic Link in Human Evolution

January 2, 2014

Mysterious episodes of genetic duplication in our great ape ancestors may have paved the way for human evolution.

A New Tool to Help Mathematicians Pack

December 20, 2013

Improvements in how densely spheres and other shapes can be packed together could lead to advances in materials science, deep space communication and theoretical physics.

The Secret Language of Plants

December 16, 2013

Striking evidence that plants warn each other of environmental dangers is reviving a once ridiculed field.

Could Knots Unravel Mysteries of Fluid Flow?

December 9, 2013

By investigating the central role played by knots in fluids and fields, physicists hope to unravel long-standing mysteries of turbulence.

Inside a Brain Circuit, the Will to Press On

December 5, 2013

A rare brain stimulation study suggests that a brain circuit known as the “salience network” contributes to differences in our ability to overcome challenges and cope with stress.

To Settle Infinity Dispute, a New Law of Logic

November 26, 2013

To determine the nature of infinity, mathematicians face a choice between two new logical axioms. What they decide could help shape the future of mathematical truth.

Together and Alone, Closing the Prime Gap

November 19, 2013

Working on the centuries-old twin primes conjecture, two solitary researchers and a massive collaboration have made enormous advances over the last six months.

Tracking the Evolution of Cancer, Cell by Cell

November 13, 2013

Analyzing individual cancer cells could reveal the answer to some of the disease’s most enduring mysteries.

Get highlights of the most important news delivered to your email inbox