
These Stunning Images Show Every Nerve in a Mouse
This new “connectome” could bring researchers one step closer to understanding how nerves connect to organs throughout the body
Nora Bradford is a freelance science writer, former news intern at Scientific American and a Ph.D. student in cognitive science. Follow Bradford on Bluesky @norabradford.bsky.social

These Stunning Images Show Every Nerve in a Mouse
This new “connectome” could bring researchers one step closer to understanding how nerves connect to organs throughout the body

Why a Classic Psychology Theory about Vision Has Fallen Apart
The downfall of a long-standing theory in psychology raises a question: How much does the environment we’re raised in change how we literally see the world?

The Potato’s Mysterious Family Tree Revealed—And It Includes Tomatoes
About nine million years ago, a hybridization involving the lineage of another farmers market star gave rise to the modern-day cultivated potato

Heatstroke and Extreme Heat can Hurt Health in the Long-Term, Too
The immediate harms of extreme heat are well documented, but a growing body of research suggests that heatstroke may have long-term health effects throughout the body

Archaeologists Stumble upon Tomb of Ancient Maya City’s First Ruler
A team of archaeologists excavating the ancient Maya city of Caracol discovered the tomb of its first ruler, which contained pottery, jadeite jewelry and a rare death mask
Magma Pulses Are Tearing Africa Apart
Chemical fingerprints from volcanic rock offer hints of what’s happening in the mantle below the area where three rift zones meet in East Africa

Human Gut Bacteria Can Gather Up PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’
When tested on their own and in mice, these bacterial strains from the human microbiome show promise in accumulating PFAS

Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy
Adult brains grow new neurons, and scientists have finally pinpointed where they come from

New Interstellar Object Stuns Scientists as It Zooms through Solar System
All eyes are on Comet 3I/ATLAS as astronomers worldwide chase the exotic ice ball through our solar system

Scientists Used Prehistoric Tools to Build a Canoe, Then Paddled Across 140 Miles from Taiwan to Japan
Researchers and expert seafarers teamed up to re-create an ocean journey from more than 30,000 years ago

What a Wandering Mind Learns
Zoning out reveals hidden patterns in tasks

Octopuses Are Colorblind. Here’s How They See the World
Cephalopods have developed unique visual systems to deal with their underwater world

Humans Can Spot Tiny Numerical Differences
Where is the line between knowing and guessing?

Soft Robots Take Steps toward Independence
Squishy robots can now heal themselves and grow as they explore

How Octopus Arms Bypass the Brain
A secret pattern links far-flung octopus limbs