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September

Species extinctions: what can we learn from the past?

Abstract Our planet has millions of amazing species of plants and animals. But scientists now believe that Earth is having an extinction crisis caused by humans. Hundreds of species have…

Analyze This: Even as Earth’s oceans warm, one spot has gone cold

Earth’s oceans are heating up. But since the 19th century, one patch in the North Atlantic has cooled by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Scientists now think they…

Cuddling helps apes keep the peace

Hugs and kisses could help primates keep the peace. A new study shows that chimps and bonobos might use friendly physical touch to calm each other in stressful situations. Let’s…

AI … in space!

In the movie WALL-E, the last Earthlings travel through the Kuiper Belt on board the starship Axiom. For 700 years, a fully automated crew of robots has cared for them…

Scientists Say: Paradox

Paradox (noun, “PAR-uh-dox”) A paradox is when a scenario seems — at first — impossible. It goes against what your gut feeling tells you is true. Once resolved, however, a…

Like an armadillo, a new soft robot rolls up to protect itself

The three-banded armadillo has an unusual way to protect itself. When threatened, it rolls itself up. The adorable mammal’s thick plates form a nearly impenetrable ball that just may save…

When we were prey

Nearly 2 million years ago, a leopard in Africa sank its teeth into the face of an early human. This bite etched tiny tooth marks into the unlucky person’s jawbone.…

How did the Maya civilization react to climate change?

Abstract Do you choose to do different activities on rainy days and sunny days? Much like we react to the weather day to day, humans also respond to the climate.…

Seals helped this oceanographer study the Southern Ocean 

While at Brown University in Providence, R.I., oceanographer Lily Dove studied the physics of Antarctica’s Southern Ocean with the help of some unusual, furry assistants: Antarctic seals. “They’re oceanographers,” she…

Let’s learn about trace fossils

When you hear the word “fossil,” you might at first think of a dinosaur skeleton at your local museum. Or perhaps the imprints of leaves or shells in a rock…