WEIRD NATURE
Rice paddies are essential to lives and livelihoods in many parts of Asia. Jingting Zhang – By Hanqin Tian, Director and Institute Professor, Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, Boston College And by Jingting Zhang, Research Scientist at the Center for …
Jebel Barkal mesa and the archaeological site at its base in the Nile Valley. Sami Elamin – By Geoff Emberling, Research Scientist in Archaeology, University of Michigan Published: 2026 May 19 – When I first became co-director of an archaeological project at Jebel …
The 2016 survey of the Dragon Hole revealed its immense depth. Huanqiu View 6 Images – By Bronwyn Thompson 2025 Dec 28 – In the South China Sea, near the Paracel Islands, the aqua-colored waters of an expansive shallow reef platform suddenly gives way …
DOERS/Shutterstock – By Stuart Thompson, Senior Lecturer in Plant Biochemistry, University of Westminster Published: 2026 May 11 – Researchers at MIT have suggested that rice seeds can hear the sound of rain, according to a new study. MIT calls it “the first direct evidence …
A viceroy butterfly showing off its surprisingly strong anisotropic wing structure. Depositphotos – By Malcolm Azania 2026 May 06 – When you hear about designers biomimicking butterflies, your first thought is probably about creating remote-controlled flying toys or small, artificial flying machines that could …
Vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds and nuts are all fiber-rich foods. tbralnina/iStock via Getty Images Plus – By Julie Pollock, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Richmond Published: 2026 May 01 – If you’re over the age of 10, the World Health Organization recommends …
The Soft-Bodied Bionic Arowana sells for about $5,000. FullDepth View 3 Images – By Ben Coxworth 2026 Apr 27 – An aquarium can really add a touch of class to a home or business, particularly if it’s got some fancy fish in it – …
A striking 51.7% of Gen Z respondents ranked casket burial as their first choice, compared with just 27.1% of baby boomers. Ashley Cooper/The Image Bank via Getty Images – By Tanya D. Marsh, Professor of Law, Wake Forest University Published: 2026 Apr 24 – …
A Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) sticks out his tongue at the Cincinnati Zoo. Photo by Mark Dumont CCA 2.0 – Article by A.I. 2026 Apr 24 – Asexual reproduction is a fascinating biological phenomenon where organisms produce offspring without genetic contribution from a …
From empty pills to homeopathy to sham surgery, placebos have powerful effects on the body. Irina Marwan/Moment via Getty Images – By Phil Starks, Associate Professor of Biology, Tufts University Published: 2026 Apr 21 – The first time the placebo effect really got …
