Male Birds of Paradise have patches of super-black plumage that absorb 99.95 percent of light. New research identified their feathers’ microscopic structures that make them look so very dark.
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Artificial intelligence and automation are bringing changes to higher education that will challenge, and may even threaten, traditional universities.
Scientific fieldwork that happens underground and underwater in spectacular but dangerous caves opens a window on a largely unknown world.
Around the world, people are both increasingly dependent on, and distrustful of, digital technology. New research suggests ways this conflict could unfold.
Scientist Nikola Tesla led a rags-to-riches to rags life. The eccentric inventor had an amazing intellect and set the stage for many modern technologies.
If government and industry overhype autonomous vehicles, the public may expect too much, be disappointed and reject the new technology.
Scientists are rewarded with funding and publications when they come up with innovative findings. But in the midst of a ‘reproducibility crisis,’ being new isn’t the only thing to value about research.
Social media companies arose from libertarian, free-market origins but must embrace social benefits and democracy to survive.
Could your resolution resilience use a little science to back it up? A new study suggests practice can help your self-control – but don’t push it too far.
President Trump’s first year was a rough one for scientists and others who value truth and expertise. Many rallied to the cause, while others used research to make the case for the value of science.
There’s no shortage of problems facing humanity. Science’s role in how to tackle them has long been debated – including memorably by two of the 20th century’s greatest literary figures.
As businesses’ branded mobile apps become more common and popular, how are they affecting shoppers’ buying habits?
Sociologists know what conditions make it more likely a mass delusion will take hold and spread through a group – whether adherence to a fashion fad or belief in a doomsday cult.
Older relatives often object to younger people using their smartphones and tablets during family gatherings. But digital devices can connect distant relatives year-round.
Predicting human behavior is big business. But science may never be able to do so with perfect certainty.
As the U.S. weakens its protections for internet users, it risks falling behind the rest of the world, which is embracing the importance of regulation to preserve an open internet.
One big challenge for gene therapies is delivering DNA or RNA safely to cells inside patients’ bodies. New nanoparticles could be an improvement over the current standard – repurposed viruses.
Holiday traditions – whether culinary, religious, decorative or musical – help families bond and individuals feel stable and content.
Iranian cyberthreats come from independent hacker groups and from those suspected of having government ties. Their efforts may be part of a campaign to counterbalance other international powers.
As it closes down 20 years after launching, a look back at the key role AOL Instant Messenger played in preparing people for today’s digital messaging methods.
Many cities lack the resources to analyze their own vast troves of administrative data.
Psychology researchers bring infants into the lab to learn more about how shared book reading influences brain and behavioral development.
Researchers’ views depend in part on what technology is (or will be) capable of – and in part on what consciousness actually is.
Biologists’ growing reliance on computers advances the field – but comes with new risks. The first step toward improved cyberbiosecurity is increasing awareness of possible threats.
Applying actual science to forensic investigations can yield substantially different results from the findings of standard methods in the field.