
Seattle heads back to the Super Bowl. What even is a seahawk anyway?
Many different bird species have been affiliated with the Seattle Seahawks’ mascot, but none is technically a “seahawk”

Seattle heads back to the Super Bowl. What even is a seahawk anyway?
Many different bird species have been affiliated with the Seattle Seahawks’ mascot, but none is technically a “seahawk”

6 weird groundhog facts for Groundhog Day
Groundhogs don’t really forecast the weather, but there are plenty of other strange things about these rodents


AI illuminates DNA’s ‘dark matter,’ doctors make artificial lungs, and a lipstick vine defies evolution
How a new AI model could help us better understand noncoding DNA, how doctors kept a man alive without lungs for two days, and what a peculiar flower can teach us about evolution

Dolphins with more close friends age more slowly
A study of dolphins’ epigenetic ages found that animals with more high-quality friendships were biologically younger than their lonely peers

This is the most complete skeleton yet of our ancestor Homo habilis
A partial skeleton dating back more than two million years is the most complete yet of Homo habilis, one of the earliest known species in our genus

Could a smudge of DNA help unlock Leonardo da Vinci’s genius? A forensic scientist explains
Researchers are using cutting‑edge DNA techniques to hunt for genetic evidence in centuries‑old artworks in an effort to better understand the genius of Leonardo da Vinci

Mysterious tower fossils may come from a newly discovered kind of life
Towering Prototaxites ruled Earth before trees—and they may have been a form of life entirely new to science

The forest may be glowing—at least to deer
Deer antler rubs and hoof scrapes change how parts of the forest reflect short-wavelength light, perhaps leaving a glowing signal

The hidden threat eating away at museum treasures
Extremophile molds are invading art museums and devouring their collections. Stigma and climate change have fueled their spread

From anxious Weimaraners to aggressive Chihuahuas: What science can tell us about dog breeds
A large dataset shows some dog stereotypes are based in reality, and others might be unfair characterizations

Deadly ‘reverse’ cells can destroy us unless scientists stop them
Researchers are closer to making “reversed” cells that may wipe us off the planet

A tool-using cow is challenging what we know about farm animal intelligence
A pet cow named Veronika uses a tool in a surprisingly sophisticated way—possibly because she has been allowed to live her best life