Ancient humans may have had apelike brains even after leaving Africa

Modern humanlike brains may have evolved surprisingly late, about 1.7 million years ago, a new study suggests.

A record-breaking, oxygen-starved galaxy may be full of gigantic stars’ shrapnel

The newly discovered galaxy may have once been home to stars more than 300 times as massive as the sun — a peek at conditions in the early universe.

People add by default even when subtraction makes more sense

Thinking in pluses instead of minuses could well contribute to modern-day excesses such as cluttered homes, institutional red tape and even an overburdened planet.

Muon magnetism could hint at a breakdown of physics’ standard model

After two decades, a new measurement of the muon magnetic anomaly reinforces earlier hints that its value disagrees with standard physics.

A spike in Arctic lightning strikes may be linked to climate change

Global warming may be revving up summer thunderstorms in the Arctic, leading to skyrocketing numbers of lightning strikes.

Tiny crystals give a plain fish twinkling, colorful dots under light

Fishes’ flashing photonic crystals may provide inspiration for ultra-miniaturized sensors that work in a living body.

Cracking the atom

In the past century, scientists discovered a complex world of fundamental particles and unleashed the power of the atom’s nucleus.

A trek under Thwaites Glacier’s ice shelf reveals specific risks of warm water

An underwater autonomous craft collected the first data on the chemistry of seawater eroding the icy underbelly of Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier.

Newly made laser-cooled antimatter could test foundations of modern physics

Physicists have finally used laser cooling to tame unruly antimatter atoms. That could allow new tests of symmetry and Einstein’s theory of gravity.

Yawning helps lions synchronize their groups’ movements

A lion yawn is contagious, and when lions start yawning together, they start moving together. Synchronization may be key for group hunters like lions.