Science

Scientists are studying the dust inside homes. Here’s what they’re discovering

You vacuum it, sweep it, and wipe it off your furniture. But do you know what it actually is—and how it may affect your health?

Why we trust our maps even when we shouldn’t

Our unshakeable faith in maps–digital or otherwise–has its roots in the cartographic revolution.

Living machines: MIT’s former president on the next technology revolution

In her new book, “The Age of Living Machines,” Susan Hockfield argues that we have entered a new era of scientific innovation in America.

How we unraveled the mystery of a global spike in an ozone-eating gas

The investigation demonstrates the critical value of atmospheric monitoring networks, but it also highlights a weakness of the current system.

The unique, puzzling antidepressant effects of an illicit party drug

The study of ketamine—and the recent approval of a nasal spray by the FDA—is opening new doors for treating mental illness.

You’re probably being tricked by “health washing” at the grocery store

Here’s how to avoid this sleight-of-hand move by packaging designers.

Put your phone down at the store. It’s costing you money

If you talk or text while shopping for groceries or clothes, chances are good that it’s leading you to spend money that you don’t have.

What really happened after the Chernobyl nuclear plant exploded

In “Midnight in Chernobyl,” Adam Higginbotham offers a thorough and readable account of one awful night in Ukraine and its lasting consequences.

This popular kids’ toy doubles as a robot that holds 24,000 times its own mass

Shrinky Dinks are back!

Scientists find “biodegradable” bags perfectly usable after three years in dirt

Uh oh.

A deleted Wikipedia page speaks volumes about its biggest problem

Clarice Phelps may have been the first African-American woman to help discover a chemical element. For Wikipedia, that wasn’t enough.

California is fighting over the future of freedom of information laws

Many people argue that public records laws are essential to democracy. Others say they’re being used by corporate interests to stifle important research.

Israel’s moon lander crashed, but don’t call it a failure

The first privately-funded lunar mission will be remembered as a pioneering achievement that helped to change the way the space industry operates.

Science has found a new use for Skrillex: mosquito repellant

What the “painless woman” says about how anxiety and fear fit into pain

Life without pain might seem like a blessing. But her case–and how we understand what pain really means–is more complex than it first appears.

How bacteria could make our infrastructure stronger

Calcium-munching bacteria could keep destructive road salt from eating away concrete bridges and other crucial infrastructure–a $276 billion problem in the U.S. alone.

Beware of this new dark pattern popping up in ads and packaging

Intentionally or not, e-cig maker Blu desensitized users about the dangers of nicotine with perfectly placed fake warnings.

Scientists have good news and bad news about sit-stand desks

A new meta-study analyzed all the research on sit-stand desks. They found that while standing desks probably won’t help you lose weight, there are other reasons to buy one.

What is carbon gentrification?

Tech companies that espouse sustainability may actually exacerbate a city’s carbon footprint, new research suggests.