Just how big can a snowflake get? It depends on what you mean by 'snowflake'
The Guinness World Record folks would have us believe in a 19th century snowflake more than a foot wide, but some scientists are skeptical.
Science
Don't mope, have hope: Global stories from 2023 that inspire optimism and delight
We found joy in mail-order chicks, soothing lullabies, a celebration of long-lasting love, the magic touch that can calm a grumpy child (and even a stressed out adult) and beach day in Mogadishu.
How the real-life Rudolphs get enough rest: Sleep while you chew!
Scientists say reindeer seem to sleep while they chew, allowing them to forage all day in the summertime and still get enough sleep.
Scientists are using new technology to study the cells behind language comprehension
Our brains have a remarkable ability to take a mix of sounds and translate them into meaning. A team of scientists monitored the brain activity of people as they listened to English sentences.
Scientists study emotional reactions to 2023 being the hottest year ever recorded
2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. That might make you feel sad, or angry. Or perhaps anxious, or guilty. Those feelings are normal, and you have a few options for how to react to them.
What's going on in our brains when we experience nostalgia?
What's going on in our brains and bodies when we experience waves of nostalgia in the holiday season? We talk to musician and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin about the medicine of music.
How do you find delicious treats in the snow? Ask the reindeer
Reindeer have to dig for food in dark, snowy conditions during winter. Their vision is adapted to make that task less challenging.
Science says declining social invites is OK. Here are 3 tips for doing it
A new study has examined the potential ramifications of declining an invitation for a social outing, and found that people tend to overestimate just how much it matters.
Thank your ancestors if you're an early riser, say scientists
Are you an early riser? If so, you might have Neanderthal ancestors.
Scientists for the first time used a laser to send HD video from deep space to Earth
For the first time, NASA scientists used a laser to send a high-definition video from a deep space spacecraft 19 million miles away back to Earth. On the video is a cat chasing a laser.