Planet Earth

An astronaut photo of a volcanic caldera with a skull like shape

Glowering 'skull' stares upward from a giant volcanic pit in the Sahara

By Harry Baker published

Earth from space A 2023 astronaut photo shows off an unusual cranium-like structure appearing to stare up into space from the floor of a large volcanic caldera in Chad.

Earth from space
Handlers guide a giant pumpkin onto the scale during the All New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Topsfield Fair on October 4, 2025.

Why can pumpkins grow so large, but blueberries can't?

By Ashley Hamer published

Most fruit is pretty small, so why do pumpkins grow to such enormous sizes?

Plants
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Space

Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is about to get very active — Space photo of the week

By Brandon Specktor published

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is barreling toward its closest point to the sun as perihelion looms on Oct. 29. How different will it look when it reappears on the other side?

Comets
The human brain as a clock and the Comet Lemmon.

A trio of comets, a mysterious glow at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, why time moves faster as we age, and whether we should bring back Neanderthals.

By Ben Turner published

Science news this week Oct. 25, 2025: Our weekly roundup of the latest science in the news, as well as a few fascinating articles to keep you entertained over the weekend.

Science news this week
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archaeology

Differences in red blood cells may have 'hastened the extinction' of our Neanderthal cousins, new study suggests

By Kristina Killgrove published

Gene variants in red blood cell function may have doomed the hybrid babies of Neanderthals and modern humans.

Human Evolution

Decapitator nose ornament: 1,500-year-old gold jewelry depicting a bloodthirsty South American god

By Kristina Killgrove published

The Moche made human sacrifices to their gods, including Ai Apaec, the Decapitator.

Archaeology
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World of science

Health

Our expert reviewer testing the Renpho Elis 1 smart scale

Best smart scales 2025: Track body composition in the comfort of your home

By Maddy Biddulph, Anna Gora last updated

BUYING GUIDE These are the best smart scales to buy in every category, from Withings Body and Garmin Index S2 to Renpho Elis 1.

BUYING GUIDE
The Runstar 8E SmartScan Pro body fat scale on a bathroom floor

RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro Body Fat Scale review: Next-level body analysis

By Anna Gora published

Reviews With over 21 body composition stats and segmental body analysis, the RunStar 8E SmartScan Pro is just as geeky as it sounds — but is this smart scale worth it?

Reviews
Our expert reviewer testing the workout features on the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch

Best fitness trackers 2025: From smart rings to multisport GPS watches

By Andrew Williams, Anna Gora last updated

Buying Guide These are the best fitness trackers you can buy in every category, from Amazfit Balance and Garmin Fenix 8 to Whoop MG.

Buying Guide
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Animals

An illustration of Alamosaurus rearing as the dinosaur-ending asteroid struck Earth.

Rare fossils in New Mexico reveal dinosaurs were doing just fine before the asteroid annihilated them all

By Patrick Pester published

New dating has revealed that New Mexico's last dinosaurs were healthy, diverse and thriving at the end of the Cretaceous period, suggesting non-avian dinosaurs weren't in decline before being snuffed out by the asteroid strike.

Dinosaurs
a snake strike in slow motion

Venomous snake strikes captured in extreme detail through high-speed videos for first time

By Skyler Ware published

Over 100 videos of venomous snake strikes reveal three different types of attacks, with some biting down several times "to prolong the venom flow into their prey."

Snakes

Are there any countries with no mosquitoes?

By Clarissa Brincat last updated

One country has long been a mosquito-free zone, but global warming may change that.

Mosquitos
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Human Behavior

A hand holding a pencil over a crossword puzzle

Live Science crossword puzzle #17: Multiple realities stacked on top of one another — 5 down

By Harry Baker last updated

Science crossword Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle!

Science crossword
scientist holding test tubes with illustration of money symbols and a sand timer on a blue background

Citation cartels, ghost writing and fake peer-review: Fraud is causing a crisis in science — here's what we need to do to stop it

By Kit Yates published

Opinion Thousands of scientific papers are retracted every year because of fraudulent activity, with both authors and journals gaming a system to gain academic acclaim through deceit, dishonesty and false representation.

Opinion
a 5g cell tower with green waves coming out

'When people gather in groups, bizarre behaviors often emerge': How the rise of online social networks has catapulted dysfunctional thinking

By Carlo Kopp, David Green, Fatima Seeme published

Opinion The pervasive spread of misinformation can be tracked to cognitive limitations, social influence and the global spread of online networks. Combatting it has become an "arms race" between truth and lies.

Opinion
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Physics & Mathematics

Clocks stand in a row in front of autumn trees

Daylight saving time 2025: When does the time change, and why?

By Jeanna Bryner last updated

When does daylight saving time end in 2025? Here's a look at when the time changes this year, and why we change our clocks in the first place.

Physics & Mathematics

Mysterious glow at the Milky Way's center could reshape a major cosmic theory

By Andrey Feldman published

A mysterious glow at the center of the Milky Way has puzzled astronomers for more than a decade. New research offers an explanation that could also reshape what we know about dark matter.

Dark Matter

World's biggest X-ray laser discovers never-before-seen type of ice that's solid at room temperature

By Patrick Pester published

Researchers have unveiled ice XXI, a new form of ice that's solid at room temperatures when subjected to immense pressure.

Physics & Mathematics
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Chemistry

Science history: Scientists use 'click chemistry' to watch molecules in living organisms — Oct. 23, 2007

By Tia Ghose published

Carolyn Bertozzi and colleagues laid out a way to make paradigm-shifting "click-chemistry" compatible with living cells, opening up a window into living organisms.

Chemistry

Why does slicing onions make you cry?

By Donavyn Coffey last updated

Here's why you may start tearing up while slicing an onion.

Chemistry
An illustration of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners.

'Harry Potter' materials land three scientists Nobel Prize in chemistry

By Patrick Pester last updated

Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry "for the development of metal–organic frameworks."

Chemistry
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Technology

Sony A7 IV on a green background

Capture the Leonids meteor shower with our favorite astro camera — now under $2,000

By Kimberley Lane published

Deals The Sony A7 IV is the cheapest it's been since last Black Friday, and there's no guarantee it'll drop lower this year — this could be your best chance to save.

Deals
a woman using a camera outside

Best cameras 2025

By Kimberley Lane last updated

With Black Friday just around the corner, now's the time to start looking for your next camera — we've rounded up the best models on the market.

Technology
A woman in a hide using a camera and telephoto lens

Best cameras for wildlife photography 2025: Shoot nature like a pro

By Kimberley Lane last updated

BUYING GUIDE We've rounded up 9 of the best wildlife cameras for beginners and pros ahead of Black Friday — all with stunning resolution and lightning-quick burst speeds to ensure you never miss a shot.

BUYING GUIDE
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