The definition of planet is still a sore point – especially among Pluto fans

In the 15 years since Pluto lost its planet status, scientists have continued to use the definition that works for them.

Ancient DNA shows the peopling of Southeast Asian islands was surprisingly complex

Ancient DNA from a hunter-gatherer skeleton points to earlier-than-expected human arrivals on Southeast Asian islands known as Wallacea.

Everyone maps numbers in space. But why don’t we all use the same directions?

The debate over whether number lines are innate or learned obscures a more fundamental question: Why do we map numbers to space in the first place?

Climate change made Europe’s flash floods in July more likely

The deadly July floods in Belgium and Germany bear the fingerprints of human-caused climate change, scientists say.

Gender-affirming care improves mental health for transgender youth

Several state legislatures have taken steps to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender adolescents. That goes against medical guidelines.

Physicists caught protons ‘surfing’ on shock waves

A laser experiment could help scientists understand how protons reach high energies traveling through the cosmos.

An incredibly resilient coral in the Great Barrier Reef offers hope for the future

At more than 400 years old, a massive coral off the coast of Australia has endured as many as 80 cyclones and 99 bleaching events.

This big-headed pterosaur may have preferred walking over flying

The most intact fossil of a tapejarid pterosaur ever found yields new insight into how the ancient reptile lived.

Frog and toad pupils mainly come in seven different shapes

Analyzing over 3,200 species revealed that the colorful eyes of frogs and toads have pupils shaped as slits, diamonds, fans and more.

Racism lurks in names given to plants and animals. That’s starting to change

There are dozens of species that scientists are considering renaming because of racist or other offensive connotations. In a groundswell of revision, scientists are wrestling with this heritage.