Science

Harpoons Almost Killed an American Whale. Yachts Might Finish the Job.

Speed limits could make whale collisions far less deadly. So why are fishers against them?

Are Ancient Phallic Objects ... Exactly What They Look Like?

Archaeology has long shied away from describing artifacts as sexual. But things may finally be changing.

The Search for Earth Look-Alikes Is Getting Serious

One promising planet turned out not to have an atmosphere. But there are six more where it came from.

The West Agreed to Pay Climate Reparations. That Was the Easy Part.

At this point, the UN fund is “an empty bucket.” How full could it get?

One More Reason to Hate Cockroaches

The insects’ sweet tooth should have made them easy to kill. But they outsmarted us with warp-speed evolution.

To Understand Anti-vaxxers, Consider Aristotle

Science denialism reaches back centuries.

A Classic American Car Is Having an Identity Crisis

Ford’s electric Mustang, the Mach-E, is attracting an unusual bunch of drivers—including me.

How Decades of Lax Rules Enable Train Disasters

Not much is stopping a catastrophe like the one in East Palestine from happening again.

Tattoos Do Odd Things to the Immune System

When you stick ink-filled needles into your skin, your body’s defenders respond accordingly. Scientists aren’t sure if that’s good or bad for you.

Crypto Is Mostly Over. Its Carbon Emissions Are Not.

The environmental toll of Bitcoin could be even higher this year than last.

The Rise of Gender-Neutral Names Isn’t What It Seems

The desire of parents to be truly original has had a perhaps unintended effect.

A Major Clue to COVID’s Origins Is Just Out of Reach

A key set of data could shore up the case for a purely animal origin. So why aren’t scientists sharing it?

A Cognitive Revolution in Animal Research

Animal ‘personalities’ are forcing scientists to rethink basic research.

A Devastating Toxin Is Bubbling Up From the Permafrost

Rising temperatures are releasing mercury into the Arctic.

The Strongest Evidence Yet That an Animal Started the Pandemic

A new analysis of genetic samples from China appears to link the pandemic’s origin to raccoon dogs.

Climate Activists Are Turning Their Attention to Hollywood

If TV can change Americans’ views on gay marriage, why not the environment?

The Next Stage of COVID Is Starting Now

What happens when everyone first gets immunity to the coronavirus as a very young kid?

Net-Zero Homes Aren’t Just for Millionaires

A Colorado initiative is betting that the cheapest housing will also be the greenest.

You Should Build a Frog Pond

Will someone please think of the urban amphibian?

Pregnancy Shouldn’t Work Like This

Some mammals pause their pregnancies for nearly a year, like a DIY version of freezing your embryos.