Science

The microbes inside you, the edges of the known universe, and all the amazing stuff in between.

LATEST NEWS

The 160-year-old reason you’re obsessed with your lawn
Stare at this blue dot long enough, and it’ll disappear
Solve the Monty Hall Problem with simple math—if its psychology doesn’t trip you up
NASA and SpaceX pulled off their first rocket launch. Watch every second of it here.
Logic problems to challenge your bored brain
These skulls look purple and orange. They are both red.
Half the matter in the universe was missing. We found it hiding between galaxies.
Astronauts explain what it’s like to be ‘shot off the planet’
Mud volcanoes on Mars hint at ancient water reservoirs

Space

Stay up-to-date on all of humanity’s attempts to understand and experience the cosmos. What does the future of space travel look like? Is it ethical to colonize Mars? Why isn’t Pluto a planet? What are the stars up to? What made the moon, and what is it made of? Are we ever going to find life on other worlds? And what exactly is life, anyway? Meet the people—and robots—working to answer these colossal cosmic questions. ONWARD

Environment

If it feels like the planet is under attack from all fronts, well, that's understandable. Our weather is turning more and more wild, our oceans are polluted with debris both massive and microscopic, and ecosystems everywhere are morphing into something new. But knowledge is the best defense. Learn what threatens the future of the planet—and how you can do your part to protect it. READ MORE

Health

Gene-edited embryos. Cancer vaccines. Face transplants. Microbiome hacking. Mind-controlled bionic limbs. Robotic surgeons. Welcome to health and medicine in the 21st century. Be the first to know about the most astounding advances in the medical world—and, more importantly, find out which of them might actually change your life. You’ll also find straight-forward answers to your burning health questions, and only the wellness tips that you actually need. OFF YOU GO

Animals

Humans are hardly the only interesting members of the animal kingdom. Research on the bodies and behaviors of our furry (and creepy and crawly and slimy and slithery) cousins can help scientists learn more about our own species’ evolution and cognition. And even when they don’t help unlock the ancient secrets of human ancestry, some animals are just too cute—or weird, or gross, or terrifying—not to get to know a little better. Go ahead: take a walk on the wild side.

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Videos

Mushrooms just might be able to... Cut down on cow farts. Wash your clothes. Treat PTSD. Replace styrofoam. Do you wear leather? What about mushroom leather? Fight cancer. And save the bees.

In 1957, a Soviet street dog named Laika launched into space aboard Sputnik-2 and became the first animal to orbit the Earth. This is her story.