Science Scorecard: Did 2013 Live Up to Expectations?
The existence of the Higgs boson particle was confirmed, a strong case for human-caused climate change was released and scientists analyzed the oldest-known human DNA
Stories by Stephanie Pappas
"Secret" Labyrinth of Tunnels under Rome Mapped
To predict and prevent the collapse of streets in Rome, geoscientists mapped high-risk areas of the quarry system
Missing Piece of Long-Neck Dinosaur Finally Discovered
The bone is the first snout ever found that belongs to the Apatosaurus, commonly referred to as the Brontosaurus
Where Old Buildings Withstand Earthquakes Best
Buildings constructed during the Middle Ages in Liechtenstein ride out earthquakes better than those built to modern standards
Flickr Posts Tracked Hurricane Sandy's Landfall
As air pressure in New Jersey dramatically fell last October, more photographs were taken. And when air pressure in the state rose again, fewer photos were taken
Dinosaur's Klutz Moment Preserved in Time
A series of tracks in Oklahoma reveal where a dinosaur most likely slipped and caught itself before continuing on
Why Australia's Wildfires Are So Extensive Now
Prolonged warm and dry conditions have provided extra fuel for four large fires and 53 smaller ones currently burning in New South Wales
Brain's Circadian Clock Disrupted in Depressed People
Major or clinical depression seems to alter the genes that regulate sleep and waking
Dino Ancestors Boomed After Mass Extinction
Dinosaurs — or at least their ancestors — may have gotten an earlier start than once believed
Discriminated Groups Strategize to Avoid Prejudice
People who anticipate discrimination do their best to represent their group well
Texas Explosion Echoes Worst Industrial Accident Ever
The West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion on April 17 echoes an April 16, 1947, event when a ship loaded with ammonium nitrate, also a chemical fertilizer, docked at the Port of Texas City erupted in flames and exploded, killing nearly 600 people...
Circumcision Alters Penis Bacteria
Microbiome changes might explain how circumcision reduces HIV risk, possibly by eliminating bacteria that activate immune cells in the skin that themselves present the retrovirus to the immune system, making infection more likely...
How the Contagious Tasmanian Devil Cancer Eludes Detection
The cancer, which has wiped out 70 percent of devils, doesn't alert the animals' immune systems to its presence. On the up side, these genetic instructions are reversible
Grotesque Mummy Head Reveals Advanced Medieval Science
Doctors in medieval Europe weren't as idle as it may seem, as a new analysis of the oldest-known preserved human dissection in Europe reveals
New Sexual Revolution: Polyamory May Be Good for You
What swinging couples and committed polyamorists can teach monogamists about love
Confirmed: Bones of King Richard III Found under Parking Lot
DNA analysis confirms that bones excavated from underneath a parking lot in Leicester, England, are the remains of the vilified English king, Richard III
Pompeii "Wall Posts" Reveal Ancient Social Networks
Ancient Pompeii’s political elite vied for advertising space on the “private walls” of wealthy citizens
12 Obvious Science Findings of 2012
Exercise is good for you, whereas high heels are not, and calling an ambulance saves lives
Elephant Relocation Scheme Fails to Prevent Deaths
Pachyderms moved away from human populations often wander back, ransacking houses and killing villagers
Oldest Pharaoh Carvings Discovered in Egypt
Carvings etched on rocks near the Nile River depict the ceremonial processions of a pharaoh—the oldest known illustrations of the kind
