Technology
‘Neurograins’ Could be the Next Brain-Computer Interfaces
Dozens of microchips scattered over the cortical surface might allow researchers to listen in on thousands of neurons at the same...
How Computationally Complex Is a Single Neuron?
Scientists taught an artificial neural network to imitate a biological neuron. The result offers a new way to think about the complexity...
How a Duck Learned to Say ‘You Bloody Fool’
Voice analysis of a 34-year-old recording proves that Ripper the musk duck “independently evolved” to mimic his human caretakers.
How Do Retroreflectors Give You Super Vision at Night?
The tiny optical devices turn up in lane markers, road signs, bike gear and even on the moon, helping us see under low-light conditions.
A Third of Shark and Ray Species May Face Extinction
Overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change are driving species collectively known as chondrichthyan fishes toward a global crisis.
A Flawed, Strange Covid-19 Origin Theory Is Gaining Traction
A spate of studies claim that the disease was circulating in Italy long before the pandemic—but they struggle to support the theory.
Sweeping Mandates, New Vaccines Underway, and More News
Catch up on the most important updates from this week.
The Dark Asteroid Ryugu Finally Comes Into the Light
Using cameras aboard the Hayabusa2 spacecraft, Japanese scientists get a rare, close-up glimpse of a space rock’s structure.
As Covid Cases Rise, So Do Hospital-Related Infections
A decade of work helped limit the spread of dangerous pathogens in medical settings. Overcrowding from Covid care is allowing infections...
I’m Vaccinated. When Do I Need to Wear a Mask?
Mask guidance continues to change. Here’s what you need to know, depending on who you are, to protect yourself—and, most importantly,...
