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.

Topics to Explore

Learn More / Page 2

Freud and Oedipus: Does Either Still Matter?

Many of Sigmund Freud's well-known theories have been discredited by modern psychiatry. Does that include the Oedipus complex?

By John Donovan Aug 28, 2019 Inside the Mind / The Human Brain

Why Don't You Ever See Square Vegetables?

At least not in nature. Scientists have discovered the two gene families that play key roles in making fruits and vegetables either round or long. Could a square fruit be on the horizon?

By Dave Roos Aug 9, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Here's How Plant and Animal Cells Are Different

While plant and animal cells are strikingly similar, the main difference between them is that plant cells are able to create their own food and animal cells cannot.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 8, 2019 Life Science / Cellular & Microscopic Biology

There Is an Easy Way to Understand Mitosis and Meiosis

Cell division can be confusing, but it's not as difficult if you pretend chromosomes are sentences.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 5, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

What's the Difference Between Race and Ethnicity?

Humans are a diverse lot. We can look distinctively different. But is that because of race or ethnicity?

By John Donovan Jul 9, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Why Do Most Humans Have 23 Pairs of Chromosomes?

Nearly every living cell is made of DNA, and every chromosome contains exactly one molecule of DNA. But not all cells are made of the same number of chromosomes.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Jul 3, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Who’s Your Daddy? The History of Paternity Testing

Before the widespread use of DNA, establishing the paternity of a child was a tricky business. Ever heard of the oscillophore?

By Dave Roos Jun 11, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Iterative Evolution: Did the Aldabra Rail Evolve Twice?

The flightless Aldabra rail lives exclusively on the Aldabra Atoll in Madagascar. But it appears to have descended from birds that soar.

By Mark Mancini May 31, 2019 Life Science / Evolution

Can Science Explain Why We Kiss With Our Eyes Closed?

Maybe. A study that wasn't even about kissing turned out to (sort of) give the answer.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky May 28, 2019 Inside the Mind / Emotions

How to Treat Poison Sumac

Poison sumac is even more toxic than its cousins, poison ivy and poison oak, in its ability to cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

By Alia Hoyt May 23, 2019 Botany / Flowering Plants, Shrubs and Trees

Are We Entering the Sixth Major Extinction on Earth?

A new global report says 1 million species are at risk of extinction — the greatest number in human history.

By Jonathan Strickland Life Science / Evolution

Men's Beards Carry More Bacteria Than Dogs' Fur, Study Suggests

While researchers can't say from this small study whether hairy men are inherently germier than the rest of the human race, the results are startling.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky May 6, 2019 Life Science / Cellular & Microscopic Biology

What Does 'Caucasian' Really Mean?

It's easy to equate "Caucasian" with "white." But that one word — Caucasian — touches on issues much deeper than skin color.

By John Donovan Apr 24, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Do You Have a Doppelganger? There's a 1 in a Trillion Chance

Does everyone have a double out there somewhere that they don't know about? Science says the odds are pretty slim.

By Alia Hoyt Apr 23, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Why Are Australia's Pink Lakes Pink?

This stunning sight is totally natural and totally cool.

By Tara Yarlagadda Apr 22, 2019 Life Science / Cellular & Microscopic Biology

Study Solves Why Drinking Gives You the Munchies

Researchers from Penn State University College of Medicine suggest that a shared circuit in the brain could be one reason why heavy drinking and high-fat 'junk food' cravings go hand in hand.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Apr 16, 2019 Inside the Mind / The Human Brain

Poisonous Death Cap Mushroom Spreads Over North America

Amanita phalloides is non-native to the North American continent, introduced to California from Europe, and rapidly spreading.

By Tara Yarlagadda Apr 12, 2019 Life Science / Biological Fields

Results of Landmark NASA DNA Twin Study Are In

The study found no long-lasting differences in the DNA of the two Kelly brothers after one year space.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Apr 11, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Frozen Zoo DNA May Stave Off Species Extinction

Scientists are banking frozen DNA in the hope of saving endangered animals in the future.

By Jesslyn Shields Apr 2, 2019 Life Science / Genetic Science

Why Do People Keep Flaking Out?

It's not just your imagination — people feel freer to bail out on others at the last minute than they used to. But why?

By Danielle Douez Mar 26, 2019 Inside the Mind / Emotions

World's Oldest Frozen Sperm Works Just Fine, Thank You Very Much

Surprisingly, sheep semen stored for 50 years produced perfectly healthy lambs.

By Jesslyn Shields Mar 20, 2019 Life Science / Biological Fields

Horseshoe Crabs Endangered by Biomedical Bloodletting

Horseshoe crabs have blue blood that can detect toxins, a rare ability that's threatening their survival.

By Loraine Fick Mar 19, 2019 Life Science / Biological Fields

Regrets, We’ve Had a Few — But Why?

Ever had a "woulda, shoulda, coulda" feeling about something? It's called regret. What really triggers this emotion — and can we trust it?

By Dave Roos Mar 15, 2019 Inside the Mind / Emotions

The Mandela Effect: Why So Many Recall Events That Never Occurred

Do you have copy of that '90s family movie "Shazaam" at your parents' house? Actually, you don't because it doesn't exist. But you may think you do. Here's why.

By Nathan Chandler Mar 14, 2019 Inside the Mind / The Human Brain