Life Science
From the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, Life Science explores the origins, evolution and expansion of life in all its forms. Explore a wide range of topics from biology to genetics and evolution.
Why do people sing in the shower?
10 Bizarre Treatments Doctors Used to Think Were Legit
Ancient Egyptian Pregnancy Test Survived Millennia Because It Worked
Can You Crack This Nuts Quiz?
The Science Behind Your Cat's Catnip Craze
Clever App Uses Smartphone Camera to Identify Plant Species
Your Phone Is a Germ Factory, So Stop Taking It to the Toilet
Why Even Identical Twins Have Different Fingerprints
Which Emerged First: Viruses or Living Cells?
Howstuffworks Interviews: Extinction Level Events with Annalee Newitz
What's the worst extinction in Earth's history?
Why did Neanderthals become extinct?
DNA From Beethoven's Hair Reveals Poor Health and Family Secrets
Who’s Your Daddy? The History of Paternity Testing
What are the likely outcomes of mankind's new knowledge of the human genome?
Why can't we remember being babies?
The Big, Bad Brain Quiz
No More Sweet Tooth? Science Turns Off Sugar Cravings in Mice
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Spend your life on your smartphone and you may be sending yourself to the sick bed. Here's a list of some of the nasty germs that could be lurking on your mobile device.
By Chris Opfer
Worried that we're running out of effective antibiotics? Never fear. Scientists are plundering cockroach brains and other surprising sources to create new lifesaving medications.
It's a wild world. One with all kinds of kooky and unexpected connections. Like the one between big brains and binge drinking. Or big brains and big hips. Here's a look at some of the head scratching-est correlations uncovered by researchers.
By Chris Opfer
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Is there any truth to the stereotype of the mad scientist? Turns out there is a link between high IQs and mental illness. Researchers are still not sure why.
Lots of Americans believe that getting the flu is no worse than getting a cold. Or that the flu vaccine can give them flu. We separate truth from fiction.
We've all seen "flame wars" on the Internet. Maybe we've been the victims or the perpetrators, too. But what causes people to say things online that they would never say in person?
Who doesn't want to instantly gobble up the marshmallows floating delectably on top of their hot chocolate? As it turns out, giving in to or delaying that impulse can say a lot about you -- and your willpower. Ready to see how strong yours is?
By Robert Lamb
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The Titan Arum is also known as the "corpse flower" because of its rotting-flesh scent. The flower rarely blossoms, even in the wild. See pictures of the corpse flower in this gallery.
Don't think of emotions as just "feelings." They're also the product of how your brain processes your feelings and how you respond to them.
When a well-timed joke or a clever cartoon tickles your funny bone, specific areas of your brain react to spread that mirth throughout your system. Can scientists use this knowledge to create a universal formula for comedy?
The human brain has a great capacity to adapt, rewire and grow. How can you help your noggin reach its ultimate potential?
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The human brain can do some amazing things -- and humans can do amazing things because of it. Here are 10 of the most wondrous and unusual feats ever performed by a person's brain.
By Josh Clark
When peering thousands of years into the future, there are certain things we can count on -- evolution, extinction, plate tectonics, climate change and, quite possibly, the eruption of a supervolcano. What else does the Earth's far future hold?
Scientists know that the brain's reward center teaches humans that certain behaviors lead to pleasure, but what about those that lead to pain? A clue lies in the fact that pain isn't just a physical sensation, but an emotional and psychological one as well.
By Josh Clark
After scientists announced the first draft of the human genome, people began to wonder how our new understanding of DNA would change life. Several research institutes stated the accomplishment would revolutionize science and modern medicine -- but how, exactly?
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What's more fun than looking at pictures of DNA and celebrities? Check out Dolly, dimples and dominant and recessive traits in this fun gallery charting how genetics play out in humans (and a few animals).
We hear news of violent acts of all sorts committed by humans every day. But how do we become violent? Is it something we learn, or are people violent at birth? And is there anything that can stop it?
Humans can express emotion in a variety of ways, from the written word to spoken communication. But what is it about music and art in particular that has the power to move us?
By Josh Clark
Why do we get mad when we get hit, or get sad when we're disappointed? Are the emotions we feel physical responses to our environments or manifestations of physical changes? There's a lot less debate on the subject than you'd think.
By Josh Clark
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Let's assume that long ago Homo sapiens communicated by grunting at one another. How and when did all those grunting sounds evolve into a verb tenses, clauses and proper nouns?
Despite our best intentions, sometimes we just make bad choices. Is it possible to fight your own worst instincts? Only if you can spot these flaws in your decision making process.
By Tom Scheve
The human brain is a mysterious little ball of gray matter, and so is that recurring dream that you're an elf. Have scientists determined why we have dreams?
Imagine a time in Earth's far-flung past when organisms didn't swim through the oceans or populate the lands. Even the mighty dinosaurs hadn't arisen. Will the planet ever return to that lifeless state?
By Robert Lamb
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When a basketball superstar makes a 3-pointer, the multimillion-dollar paychecks go into his or her bank account. But why don't his or her parents get the glory? After all, didn't they provide the DNA that allowed for such incredible success?
We don't admit to breaking up with someone because of his looks, or that we've read our boss's private e-mails. We answer "fine" when someone asks how we are, even if we're not fine at all. Why is polite society all about the big fib?