Cats Give the Laws of Physics a Biiiiig Stretch
They can fall from potentially infinite heights and survive. They can pivot off of nothing to land on their feet. Scientists still can’t fully explain why.
Science
A Very California Lesson on Just How Weird Electricity Is
The state’s record-smashing heat wave is a window into the future … and it’s okay.
The Myopia Generation
Why do so many kids need glasses now?
Just Like That, We’re Making Oxygen on Mars
A small experiment on a NASA rover is tinkering with the alien atmosphere.
Should We Be Searching for Smart Aliens or Dumb Aliens?
There are two ways to look for extraterrestrial life. We’ve been focusing on only one.
Starting a Revolution Isn’t Enough
CRISPR is changing the world—but it can do more.
One of Long COVID’s Worst Symptoms Is Also Its Most Misunderstood
Brain fog isn’t like a hangover or depression. It’s a disorder of executive function that makes basic cognitive tasks absurdly hard.
Life Is an Accident of Space and Time
Even if life existed on every planet that could support it, living matter in the universe would amount to only a few grains of sand in the Gobi Desert.
Purring Is a Love Language No Human Can Speak
Some cats do it, but others can’t—and researchers still don’t fully understand why.
It Wasn’t Just Oil Companies Spreading Climate Denial
The electricity industry knew about the dangers of climate change 40 years ago. It denied them anyway.