Cocaine, ayahuasca, and DMT — South Americans had hardcore rituals 1,000 years ago
High in the Andes, shamans got high using some serious drugs.
First Denisovan fossil found outside of Siberia — our ancient “cousins” spread far and wide
Talk about a stunning find!
Earth’s core is a lot like oil and vinegar — in a way
Our planet is one big salad.
Climate change fuels banana disease, threatening our crops
It's getting worse: climate change is taking our bananas.
Why the bubbles from Guinness go down, not up
The beer bubbles exhibit an unusual phenomenon, which researchers felt warrants a closer look.
Scientists find miniature T-Rex ancestor
A smaller relative to the king of the dinosaurs.
How UV lights could end up saving crane species
A simple way to help bird populations.
End of AIDS in sight — existing treatment prevents transmission of HIV
This could deal a huge blow to HIV.
Vietnam to introduce at least 3,000 electric buses next year
A remarkable initiative!
People don’t feel responsible for their actions during major bouts of fear or anger
Of course, this does not absolve people of what they do when they are angry or afraid.
Trees help keep cities cool and cozy — especially if there’s a lot of them
In truth, all cities in the world would benefit from planting more trees.
Crusaders were a diverse bunch, genetic analysis shows
Modern genetics sheds new light on these ancient religious wars.
Getting rid of debt might not only make you happier — but also smarter
In poverty, there is no room for error -- and no room for risk.
This legendary massacre may have been started by a children’s game
Talk about eye for an eye...
Employees forced to smile for customers drink more, new study finds
Here's to annoying customers!
Going vegan might not be the greenest diet — but giving up meat, is
The main takeaway: eat less meat.
Did the Maya civilization really use chocolate as currency? New study suggests so
I say we bring back this currency.
Scientists record unimaginably rare radioactive event
It has a half-life of about a trillion universes.
Most detailed survey yet finds 200,000 species of viruses living in the oceans
There's a lot of life in the oceans.
World’s second-largest language family originated in northern China during the Neolithic
This multidisciplinary study could settle a long-lasting debate.
Scientists present device that transforms brain activity into speech
This could be transformative for so many people suffering from speech impairment.
Chinese lunar rover shows dark side of the Moon like you’ve never seen it before
Take a walk on the dark side -- of the moon.
Why depressed people listen to more sad music
It's probably not what you think.
How much are Americans sitting
Are you sitting down for this?
Greenland ice is melting 6 times faster than in the 1980s
Requiem for an ice sheet.
Arctic warming accelerates climate change — and will cost $70 trillion
Take action against climate change -- or pay up.
Like meal kits? You might be doing the environment a favor
Have you ever tried a meal kit? You might be doing the environment a favor.
Slime moulds learn by absorbing substances
This simple creature can learn, teach, and memorize, without a nervous system.
How Japanese astronomers discovered the most distant object in the Kuiper Belt with a $3,000 telescope
This is a real victory for little projects.
Even moderate intake of red meat substantially increases risk of bowel cancer
Bacon is not so good for you after all.
Coffee not essential for life, Switzerland decides
Say what now?
Even mountain glaciers are now contaminated with microplastic
Truly, no place on Earth has escaped pollution.
Russian researchers extract liquid blood from frozen 42,000-year-old foal — plan to clone it
You want Jurassic Park? Because this is how you get Jurassic Park.
The world’s first AI-written textbook showcases what machine learning can do — and what it can’t
The technology could have a surprising use.
Dogs really help people stay fit, new study shows
As if dogs weren't precious enough, they also help with our fitness -- new research shows that dog owners are...
Japanese university professor taught students how to produce MDMA, risks up to 10 years in prison
Japanese Breaking Bad? Not really -- this time it's about science, not profit.
Air pollution from corn kills thousands of people each year
Researchers are trying to map the pollution impact of all the foods we eat.
Scientists create artificial material capable of metabolism, self-assembly, movement, and organization — key traits of life
If it was capable of multiplying, it would essentially be life.
Cherokee cave inscriptions tell tales of ritual ball game
Researchers have translated the famous Cherokee inscriptions from Manitou Cave — but it’s not the story they were expecting to...
NASA female astronaut set to break record
Congrats, and good luck!
Two of the world’s oldest universities team up to digitize treasured medieval manuscripts
Some works will come straight from the Vatican.
Archaeologists find first prehistoric figurative cave art in the Balkans
It's the first find of its kind in the area.
It’s official: there’s more plastic in the oceans than ever before
Researchers are calling for change on all levels of society.
Sleep myths are unscientific and potentially dangerous
If there's one thing we should appreciate, it's sleep -- and myths proliferated on the internet aren't doing anyone any...
The best black hole photo memes the internet has to offer
Get sucked into the joyous celebration of the black hole image.
Researchers 3D print a miniature heart — using a patient’s own cells
Yes, scientists 3D-printed a heart.
The kill rate in Game of Thrones is actually quite realistic, a new study reveals
Don't blame George Martin or HBO for killing your favorite character -- blame reality!
How the snailfish survives more than 6 km beneath the surface
This could help us understand how creatures can survive in the crushing and frigid depths of the oceans.
Meteorite impacts are squeezing water from the moon
The moon has a hydrological cycle, but it looks nothing like the one on Earth.
Microplatics can also travel by wind, new study shows
Even pristine mountainous landscapes are now polluted with microplastics.