Scientists use food dye found in Doritos to make see-through mice
Food dye transformed the skin of mice into a living window revealing blood vessels, muscle fibers and gut contractions, according to a new study.
By Carolyn Y. Johnson
Webb telescope detects what looks like a giant question mark in space
The “Question Mark Pair” is an optical illusion created by two galaxies that astronomers have observed in deep space with the James Webb Space Telescope.
By Joel Achenbach
Should influencers think twice before disabling their comments?
When influencers disable comments on their posts, viewers respond negatively and regard them as less likable.
By Lizette Ortega
Hvaldimir, beloved beluga whale and alleged Russian spy, found dead
The beluga whale was found in Norway wearing a St. Petersburg-marked harness, prompting speculation that he was a Russian intelligence asset.
By Leo Sands
Science is rewriting the history of horse domestication
Figuring out when, why and how horses became domesticated is a key step toward understanding the world we live in now.
By William Taylor
Why biologists are listening to soil — and what it’s telling them
Researchers searched for sounds produced by ants, worms and other creatures underground, soundscapes studied in the emerging field of ecoacoustics.
By Erin Blakemore
Two elephants at Ohio zoo will welcome calves by the same father
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is thrilled that two baby elephants will arrive in 2025.
By Amber Ferguson
Marmoset monkeys call each other by name, study suggests
Marmoset monkeys use a high-pitched “phee call” to name other monkeys, one of a short list of animals known to deploy names.
By Carolyn Y. Johnson
Namibia to cull elephants, zebras for their meat during major drought
The southern African country plans to distribute the meat of hundreds of animals, including hippos and antelopes, to support relief efforts.
By Victoria Bisset
The Marshmallow Test and other predictors of success have bias built in, researchers say
Executive function is a collection of cognitive skills essential to human life, but psychologists now say our tests contain cultural biases.
By Carolyn Y. Johnson
‘Worst nightmare’ venomous sea worms washing up on Texas shores, scientists say
Heading to the beach? Pack duct tape and vinegar for the bristle worm that, if touched, makes people feel like they’re on fire.
By Ben Brasch
What to know about ‘sloth fever’ as U.S., Europe warn of imported cases
Twenty cases of the Oropouche virus disease were reported in Florida and one in New York. Symptoms include fever and aches, and the virus poses a particular risk to pregnant women.
By Adela Suliman
Diabetes took over her life, until a stem cell therapy freed her
Scientists are making progress replacing the critical insulin-producing cells that are destroyed by the disease.
By Carolyn Y. Johnson
NASA to keep Starliner crew in space until 2025, with SpaceX handling return
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been on their mission far longer than originally expected.
By Christian Davenport
Endangered lynx makes its first appearance in Vermont in years
A rare and endangered wild cat, the Canada lynx, was spotted in Vermont for the first time since 2018.
By Amber Ferguson
Bored? Scientists say mindless scrolling through online videos makes it worse
Researchers conducted experiments to investigate the psychological effects of flicking by and fast-forwarding through online videos during moments of downtime.
By Carolyn Y. Johnson
A same-sex penguin pair captured hearts. After one died, the other sang.
Sphen and Magic raised two chicks at an Australian aquarium, increased awareness about rainbow families and inspired a float at the Sydney Mardi Gras Pride parade.
By Rachel Pannett
India’s lunar lander unearths evidence the moon had a magma ocean
A new batch of data supports the molten moon scenario, delivered by a rover that India deposited last year near the lunar south pole.
By Joel Achenbach
Road salt may hurt vital link in freshwater food chain, study says
The team tracked individual plankton them from birth to death and exposed them to various concentrations of sodium chloride (rock salt) and calcium chloride.
By Erin Blakemore
Rare ‘doomsday’ oarfish emerges off San Diego coast, exciting scientists
Oarfish live in the deep sea and can grow to more than 30 feet long. The silvery fish are rarely seen by humans, and thought to be a source of sea monster legends.
By Adela Suliman