Nearly 2,000 years ago, a huge volcano in southern Italy suddenly, explosively woke up. Ash and gas from the eruption killed at least 1,500 people in the cities of Pompeii…

Some 640,000 years ago, a massive eruption rocked the land that, today, is Yellowstone National Park. The eruption spewed ash across much of the area that’s now the United States.…

Michelle Gaines’ hair naturally curls into tight coils. Keeping it neat and healthy has proven a challenge for this busy polymer chemist. She’s read all those product promises and watched…

Dandruff flakes on your hair or shoulders don’t look good. The itchy scalp that comes with it is no fun, either. In fact, although dandruff shows up on your hair,…

For the first time, scientists have measured a long-sought global electric field in Earth’s atmosphere. This ambipolar electric field had been predicted to exist decades ago. But it had never…

Insects already have plenty to beware when it comes to carnivorous plants. But now, they can add an acid-loving fungus to the list. The fungus works with a type of…

A new study hints at how skateboarders can up their half-pipe game — using math. Tricks like kickflips and ollies require speed. As skateboarders roll along a U-shaped ramp called…

Quantum dot (noun, “KWAHN-tum DAHT”) Quantum dots are teeny tiny crystals. They’re often made of semiconductors — materials that partially conduct electricity. Each quantum dot is mere billionths of a…

Sometimes, fireflies shouldn’t follow the light. Especially when the web of an orb weaver spider is nearby. Orb weaver spiders (Araneus ventricosus) can use trapped fireflies to lure in more…