biology

Science Watch: The Ground Is Full of Dinosaurs

Hamilton Nolan · 07/21/16 04:05PM

Stem cells! Brain map! Wheel bike! Spider talk! Hot weather! New planets! Fault lines! And what do “certain” scientists do for a living, anyhow? It’s your Thursday Science Watch, where we watch science—for pure profit!

Is There a Biological Reason for Sexually Preferring a Certain Race?

Hamilton Nolan · 01/23/14 03:42PM

Hark; the time hath come for "Hey, Science," our intelligence-boosting feature in which we enlist real live scientific experts to answer humanity's most interesting/ idiotic scientific questions. Today: Is there an evolutionary or biological reason for preferring to have sex with people of a certain race?

Are There Still Undiscovered Sea Monsters?

Hamilton Nolan · 01/17/14 05:14PM

It is time once again for "Hey, Science," our world-renowned feature in which we enlist real live scientific experts to answer humanity's most provocative/ dumb scientific questions. Today: Do unknown sea monsters still lurk in the deep?

Science Watch: Gravity's Rainbow

Hamilton Nolan · 12/11/13 01:21PM

Crazy universe! Mars life! Sun plasma! Tech toys! Electric powers! Chimp people! Danger gas! And dinosaurs that lived beneath the sea! It's your Wednesday Science Watch, where we watch science—cause it's our prerogative!

Hamilton Nolan · 11/06/13 05:10PM

Though it would seem impossible, scientists have discovered a previously unknown body part: a third boob. No, it's a knee ligament. Disappointing, to be honest.

Hamilton Nolan · 10/21/13 04:14PM

New biological research into aging has found that "a woman's breast tissue ages faster than the rest of her body." Scientists involved in this research were using their microscopes to look at boobs.

Monster Cockroach Can Jump

Maureen O'Connor · 12/14/11 10:20AM

A team of scientists have discovered the horrible monster bug from all New Yorkers' nightmares. The "leaproach" is a cockroach capable of sailing short distances through the air and landing, possibly, on your face:

The Biological Reason You Have Too Many Facebook Friends

Brian Moylan · 11/02/11 02:20PM

So many people think that the more Facebook friends they have, the better. Wrong! In an excerpt from his just released book You Are Not So Smart David McRaney explains "Dunbar's Number" and why trying to keep in touch with more than 150 people, even on Facebook, is a biological impossibility.

We Now Know Why Fingers Wrinkle in Water

Maureen O'Connor · 09/12/11 12:45PM

One of the great mysteries of humankind—Why do my fingers get all wrinkly during baths?—has maybe-possibly been solved. Says science: "Much like the tread on a tire, [raisin fingers] improve traction." Sure, that sounds reasonable. Apparently the nervous system controls the wrinkle response, and it has nothing to do with bloating or water absorption. [Well, BrainBehavior&Evolution, Image via Afronova/Shutterstock]

Scientists Mystified by the Female Orgasm

Max Read · 09/06/11 11:18PM

After years of debate, and women just being, like, duh, scientists have finally come to agree that the female orgasm exists. And yet this poses an even more vexing question: Why?

Why You Don't Have a Spiny Penis

Max Read · 03/10/11 02:02AM

Human penises, much to the relief of most humans, lack the "barb-like structures found in many mammals" known as penile spines. For many of us, knowing that we will never encounter a barbed penis is enough; for scientists, who are the guy at the party saying, "I mean, sure, it's a nice present, but have you checked out its teeth?" the human penis's curious lack of spines is a question to be asked, and answered, and told to everyone.

Scientists: Being Gay Is Good, if You're a Bird

Max Read · 08/23/10 11:43PM

At least 130 different species of birds "are known to engage in homosexual behavior." Scientists now think this may be because "homosexual behavior" is evolutionarily beneficial. Not to mention totally hot.

Hippie Biological Warfare

Hamilton Nolan · 05/12/09 10:51AM

If it makes you feel any better, the new trend is hippies breeding new strains of deadly viruses in their closets: