How bees decide what to be

Johns Hopkins researchers link reversible 'epigenetic' marks to behavior patterns.

X-rays unravel mysterious degradation of a Van Gogh painting

Supposedly protective varnish caused discolouration – possible implications for other paintings?

Study of giant viruses shakes up tree of life

A new study of giant viruses supports the idea that viruses are ancient living organisms and not inanimate molecular remnants run amok, as some scientists have argued.

Mercury in water and fish detected with nanotechnology

Inexpensive, super-sensitive device detects even low levels of toxic metals in water and fish.

Scientists discover how the brain ages

Researchers at Newcastle University have revealed the mechanism by which neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and other parts of the body, age.

Planets can form in the galactic center

Up against the colossal forces of supernova explosions and supermassive black holes planets still manage to form in the heart of the galaxy.

Researchers devise more accurate method for predicting hurricane activity

A new method for forecasting seasonal hurricane activity developed by North Carolina State University researchers is 15 percent more accurate than previous techniques.

Study shows wine has more cardiovascular benefits than vodka

Red wine proves better than vodka for pigs with high cholesterol, according to a new study.

Salt seeds clouds in the Amazon Rainforest

The cloud cover, precipitation, water cycle, and even the climate of the Amazon basin can be traced back to salts from fungi and plants in the undisturbed jungle.

NASA’s Global Hawk mission begins with flight to hurricane Leslie

NASA has begun its latest hurricane science field campaign by flying an unmanned Global Hawk aircraft over Hurricane Leslie in the Atlantic Ocean during a day-long flight from California to Virginia.