February 14, 2025
A new book explores how one biologist’s work at the North and South Poles changed the way he sees the world and our place in it. Plus, the FDA approved a new, non-opioid painkiller. How does it work, and who is it for? And, Kinda baboons form long-term friendships between the sexes.
Putting a Friendly Face on Statistics
Turning data into faces makes people take notice.
Neanderthals: The Oldest Cave Painters?
A red disk painted in a Spanish cave over 40,800 years ago could be the work of Neanderthals.
Desktop Diaries: Sylvia Earle
In the latest installment of Science Friday’s Desktop Diaries series, Her Deepness takes us on a tour on her Oakland office.
How ‘Flame’ Malware Hijacks a Computer
This malware spies, eavesdrops and writes home with data from infected computers.
Identifying the Real Culprit Behind Killer Vascular Diseases
A study finds stem cells are to blame for blocked arteries that cause heart attacks and stroke.
The Winning Answer to a Burning Question
The winner of Alan Alda’s ‘Flame Challenge’ draws on animation, song and a physics background.
What Happens When Two Galaxies Collide?
Astronomers say the Andromeda and Milky Way galaxies will collide in four billion years.
Ex-Spy Telescopes May Aid Hunt for Dark Energy
The spy telescopes are wide-angle and short in length–earning them the nickname “stubby Hubbles.”
SpaceX Dragon May Ferry Astronauts by 2015
After a successful cargo run to the space station, SpaceX is preparing the Dragon capsule for crew.
Why Ignorance Trumps Knowledge in Scientific Pursuit
Neuroscientist Stuart Firestein discusses why ignorance is key to scientific discovery.
The Many Lifestyles of Muck-Dwelling Microbes
From barely-alive to bits of a biocomputer, a look at two different microbes and their unusual stories.
Can Technology Deliver Better Health Care?
Got high blood pressure? There’s an app for that!
Remembering a Son in Immortal Bird
A father reflects on family life, heartbreaking loss, and how he thinks the medical system failed his son.
Lightning Bug of a Different Color
Forget the fireflies, some millipedes glow in the dark too.
Paralyzed Rats Walk, Even Sprint After Rehab
Paralyzed rats regain their footing after rehab forges new connections between brain and spinal cord.
Finding Glow-in-the-Dark Millipedes
Forget the fireflies, check out these lightning bugs of a different color.
Monster Turtle Fossil Discovered In Colombian Mine
The giant reptile lived shortly after the demise of the dinos–and may have snacked on baby gators.
Humans, The World’s ‘Superomnivores’
Gotta have crunch? In The Omnivorous Mind, John S. Allen explains the universal appeal of crispy snacks like tempura and fried chicken.
Tick Talk: Lyme Disease Under The Microscope
A look at Lyme disease, the illness linked to a multibillion-dollar banking blunder.
Breaking Out Of A Web Of Fear
After brief therapy, arachnophobes touch tarantulas and have lasting changes in fear response.