Living World

Does Rain Come From Life in the Clouds?

Scientists are making their first forays into the mysterious world of biology miles up in the air. Their startling conclusion: That ecosystem in the sky might influence tomorrow's weather and next year's harvest. 04.20.2012

6 Creepy-Crawlies We Hate But Couldn't Do Without

You might think the world would be better off without the bacteria that cause acne and strep throat. You'd be wrong. 04.18.2012

Plants Repel Bacteria's Assaults by Spying on Their Chatter

Researchers discover an impressive ability never seen in plants before. 04.17.2012

Attack of the Flying, Invasive Carp

From Louisiana and Missouri through the American heartland and all the way north to Minnesota, Asian carp are invading freshwater lakes and rivers, disrupting ecosystems as they go. 
 04.12.2012

Hot Science: The Best New Science Culture

Where Earth is coldest, where the digital universe was born, and where humanoids have four arms. 04.09.2012

Superfreak of Evolution: The Lizard With a Humanlike Placenta

It's normal for us but very rare for a reptile. 04.09.2012

7 Animals That Harnessed Nanotechnology Long Before Humans

The animal kingdom boasts many an impressive form, from arching giraffe necks to spoon-shaped bird beaks to gigantic beetle claws. But evolution has worked on much smaller scales too, producing nanostructures that help animals climb, slither, camouflage, flirt, and thrive. 04.03.2012

How Mosquitoes Survive 
in a Downpour

Sometimes, being tiny is a big advantage. 03.14.2012

Destination Science: The Natural World Outside Disney World

Thanks to federal law and big developments, central Florida has some impressively preserved natural spots. 03.12.2012

Of Mice and Men and Medicines

Drugs that alleviate symptoms of psychological illness in mice often wind up producing human treatments. There is just one small problem: Their mental breakdowns look nothing like ours. 02.24.2012

Here’s Looking at You, Kid


02.21.2012

The Grinches That Stole Valentine's Day: Creatures That Say No to Sex

From "lesbian lizards" to sea stars, some animals can survive for quite a while without mating, thank you very much. 02.14.2012

The Spider Assassin That Acts Like Prey and Cloaks Itself With Wind

The assassin bug has an impressive array of techniques for hunting spiders that can just as easily eat assassin bugs. 02.06.2012

How Did LEGO Become More About Limits Than Possibilities?

Hard data support old-school fans' objections to the newer, more specialized collections. 02.03.2012

#35: Fossil Stirs Debate Over 
Dinosaurs’ Last Days

When exactly did the dinosaurs depart? 12.22.2011

#30: New Fossil Casts Doubt on Oldest Bird


A new Cornish hen–sized creature, discovered by Chinese paleontologists, throws the traditional chronology into question. 12.22.2011