What are Homo sapiens? By Sarah Wild published 25 May 21 All living humans are Homo sapiens. Here's what scientists know about the origin of our species.
This optical illusion tricks you into seeing different colors. How does it work? By Nicoletta Lanese published 19 May 21 This image is an example of the Munker-White illusion.
Why does 'emotional pain' hurt? By Isobel Whitcomb published 10 May 21 R.E.M. wasn't singing about backaches or sprained ankles.
No, men don't learn toxic masculinity from their fathers By Cameron Duke published 7 May 21 A man's lack of friends may predict whether he will embrace toxic masculinity, while the presence or absence of a male role model early in life isn't a factor.
What's the minimum number of people needed to survive an apocalypse? By Patrick Pester published 5 May 21 There are many ways the world could end, from all-out nuclear war to a giant asteroid strike. How many people would need to survive such an apocalypse for humans to avoid extinction?
Can a night owl turn into an early bird? By Tyler Santora published 18 April 21 What steps can night owls take to become early birds?
Was the 'forbidden fruit' in the Garden of Eden really an apple? By Ashley P. Taylor published 27 March 21 It could have been a fig, grapes, citron, a pomegranate or even wheat.
String of code sells for $69 million By Nicoletta Lanese published 11 March 21 A unique piece of code verifies the authenticity of the digital art piece.
Atheists and believers have different moral compasses By Laura Geggel published 24 February 21 The moral compass of believers and atheists is calibrated differently.
Conservatives aren't more fearful than liberals, study finds By Stephanie Pappas published 24 February 21 Contrary to earlier research, a new international study finds that both liberals and conservatives respond to threats — just different ones.
Extremists struggle with certain kinds of brain processing, research shows By Stephanie Pappas published 23 February 21 Extremists and dogmatists struggle with certain kinds of cognitive processing, but they also tend to be impulsive and risk-loving.
Lucid dreamers can hear and answer questions while still asleep, scientists find By Patrick Pester published 18 February 21 Researchers have successfully achieved real-time communication with a sleeping person by invading their dreams in several independent experiments.
The #PeepYourScience contest wants to see your sugary scientific dioramas By Nicoletta Lanese published 8 February 21 You can submit your own marshmallowy diorama between Feb. 15 and March 21.
What if temperature determined a baby's sex? By Charles Q. Choi published 31 January 21 Temperature-dependent sex is found in certain reptiles and fish. Could it happen in humans?
Facts don't convince people in political arguments. Here's what does. By Stephanie Pappas published 25 January 21 Though people believe they respect a logical, fact-based opponent, they actually have greater esteem for arguments based on experience.
How many people are in the world? By Holly Secon published 25 January 21 You may think of the global population as a massive, exponentially-growing number of people that threaten to use up all of the world's resources, but that's not the case.
What led to the emergence of monotheism? By Isobel Whitcomb published 3 January 21 It depends on your definition of monotheism.
Amazing images: The best science photos of the week By Brandon Specktor published 12 December 20 Here are the stories behind the most amazing images in the world of science this week. A recap of the coolest photos featured on Live Science.
