Science
Scientific discoveries and research
Larger brain, smaller face: Human evolution took a different course than previously thought
A new study, published July 6, 2026, in the journal Nature Communications, suggests that two of the best-known trends in human evolution—brain growth and the re...
Moving forests to save them: Here are the risks and rewards of assisted tree migration
Climate change is shifting forest conditions faster than local tree species can adapt. Higher temperatures, more frequent droughts and less predictable winters...
Q&A: How camera-equipped homing pigeons could improve robotic vision in flight
Contrary to common assumptions, pigeons do not lock their eyes in place during flight. Instead, they make slow, subtle eye movements that may help them gather m...
Webb uncovers dust-shrouded heart of Centaurus A after galaxy clash 2 billion years ago
In new images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to celebrate its fourth science anniversary, a familiar galaxy transforms into something far richer and far...
We assume students see pictures in their minds as they learn. But not everyone can
Picture a bright red apple. Most people can do this easily. They imagine the apple's shape, color and shine. But for others, the image is vague and blurry or th...
Scientists discover smart way to supercharge soft robotics and better support rehabilitation patients
Researchers have found an ingenious way to make soft robots and wearable technology more than three times more powerful by harnessing the surface tension of a t...
Upside‑down whales aren't sick or hurt—they're just resting
If you stand on one of Australia's southern shorelines at this time of year, you might be lucky enough to spot a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) swim...
The evolutionary pressure behind sexual asymmetry revealed in yeast cell study
A major transition in evolution is the shift from asexual to sexual reproduction in early organisms. But why would a yeast cell, which usually reproduces asexua...
A last dance before death: Binary stars and the origins of interacting supernovae
When massive stars die, they unleash some of the most powerful explosions in the universe. Yet not all supernovae are created equal. Some continue to shine brig...
Climate change is silencing the Pilbara barking gecko
New research from Monash University has provided the first comprehensive assessment of the Pilbara barking gecko (Underwoodisaurus seorsus) and revealed the spe...
Ancient hobbit-like humans may have survived on meat left behind by Komodo dragons
Arguably one of the most curious ancient human relatives is Homo floresiensis, a 3-foot-tall species that lived on the Indonesian island of Flores and has been...
Scientists observe water's behavior in a single molecular layer
New research has revealed that water behaves differently when confined to spaces just one molecule thick. For the first time, scientists have directly measured...