![An artist's rendering of two strands of DNA, one blue and one pink, with tiny X and Y chromosomes in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fgQyf7S8t6nBnod9h7KLym-200-80.jpg)
Why genetic testing can't always reveal the sex of a baby
Gender and sex are more complicated than X and Y chromosomes.
By Owen Jarus published
Researchers previously thought the calendar ring on the Antikythera mechanism tracked the ancient Egyptian calendar, but new research suggests it tracked the Greek lunar calendar instead.
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A new study in mice and human cells suggests that a small molecule can help reverse signs of aging by extending telomeres and modulating key genes.
By Mindy Weisberger, Emily Cooke last updated
In recent years, scientists have successfully grown a range of miniature organs and human body parts in the lab.
By Stephanie Pappas published
The hypothalamus, a brain region that helps control our hormones and sleep cycles, is also responsible for our ability to switch between predator- and prey-like behavior.
By Lydia Smith published
Tasselled wobbegong sharks are so well camouflaged they can vanish on the seafloor, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass before lunging forward to suck their victims into their giant mouths.
By Stephanie Pappas published
Human societies that experience downturns do a better job of recovering from later disasters, new research finds.
By Alexander McNamara published
In a new series of comics, where young, female scientists take center stage, MIT's Ritu Raman explains how the format can inspire the next generation of young people into the world of STEM.
By Andrey Feldman published
Strange stars clustered near the Milky Way's center are much younger than theory predicts is possible. New research suggests their youth could actually be eternal — and fueled by annihilating dark matter.
By Paul Sutter published
Mysterious dark matter could slosh over our planet like a wave. If it does, it may produce telltale radio waves in Earth's atmosphere, new theoretical research suggests.
By Skyler Ware published
The three-body problem is a physics conundrum that has boggled scientists since Isaac Newton's day. But what is it, why is it so hard to solve and is the sci-fi series of the same name really possible?
By Sarah Wells published
The science of ruining your favorite shirt is more complicated than you might think.
By Victoria Atkinson published
Scientists have revealed key properties of radioactive promethium, a rare earth element with poorly understood applications, using a groundbreaking new method.
By Deepa Jain published
Scientists have used a new technique to synthesize diamonds at normal, atmospheric pressure and without a starter gem, which could make the precious gemstones easier to grow in the lab.
By Patrick Pester published
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way scientists monitor wildlife and find new species, but how effective are these new systems?