Scientists Plan Private Mission to Hunt for Earths around Alpha Centauri

Evolution

Redo of a Famous Experiment on the Origins of Life Reveals Critical Detail Missed for Decades

The Miller-Urey experiment showed that the conditions of early Earth could be simulated in a glass flask. New research finds the flask itself played an under appreciated, though outsized role...

Sarah Vitak

Sex & Gender

Why It Took So Long to Appreciate Female Birds’ Songs

Science and science communication miss out when they’re not inclusive

Matt Wilkins and Lauryn Benedict | Opinion

Behavior

The Psychological Differences between Those Who Love and Loathe Black Friday Shopping

Some people are more “task-oriented,” while others focus more on making social connections

Michael Breazeale and The Conversation US

Evolution

The Surprising Secret of Snakes’ Venomous Bites

Fangs evolved over and over because of this groovy process

Riley Black

Nutrition

A Look Inside the Complex Gel on Your Thanksgiving Table

There's a good possibility at least one of the dishes you eat this holiday will contain a gelling agent—but what is that, exactly? A new video series from  Scientific American  and  Spektrum der Wissenschaft  gives you a serving of science. ...

Spektrum and Scientific American Staff