BIOLOGY

Charles Robert Knight via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Here's What a Neanderthal's Voice Might Have Sounded Like

Less grunting, more hoarse screaming.

10 Mysterious Facts About the Pineal Gland

Descartes once described the pineal gland as “the principal seat of the soul."

INeverCry via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

New Vaccines May Prevent Fatal Opioid Overdoses

New hope for a pervasive problem.

10 Mysteries of the Human Microbiome Revealed

Your body hosts trillions of microbes—mainly bacteria, fungi, and viruses. That's (mostly) a good thing.

10 Stubbed Facts About Your Big Toe

9. Surgeons can make thumbs out of big toes.

Could Feeding Seaweed to Cows Help Save the Climate?

Scientists were able to reduce methane production by 99 percent in preliminary tests on artificial cow stomachs.

When We Go to Mars, How Will We Protect the Microbes From Us?

Life on Mars has yet to be found, but we're already making plans to protect it from us—and us from it.

Scientists Discover Seal-Like Prehistoric Predator

The animal lived off the coast of what is now Washington state about 10 million years ago and probably fished like seals do, relying on the power of its oversized eyes to track its prey.

9 Brainy Facts About the Neocortex

The brain is arguably the one organ that makes you who you are—and the largest part of the brain is the neocortex.

15 Naturalists Who Died in the Field

Countless scientists, naturalists, conservationists, and support staff have died in the pursuit of knowledge that could protect vulnerable places and species, and enable people to live safer, healthier lives.

15 Throaty Facts About Vocal Cords

They may just save your life.

BMC Ecology via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 2.0

This Crab's Secret to a Happy Relationship Is a Turtle's Butt

Whether Columbus crabs choose "inclusive" mating or monogamy depends on where they shack up.

Evan Maclean via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Middle-Aged Bonobos Become Farsighted, Too

Primatologists noticed older bonobos grooming their kin from a distance, like a person holding a restaurant menu at arm’s length.

Plant Can Transmit Light to Its Roots, Study Reports

Plant stems act like fiber-optic cables running light down to underground roots.

The Science of Spit

Your spit can tell you much more about your health than whether you should be flossing.

7 Fascinating Facts About Blood

George Washington died after his physician treated his sore throat with bloodletting, but don't let that stop you from learning more about the human circulatory system.