OPINION: Recent data suggest that microbial diversity is under threat — which puts the entire planet at risk

UN recognition would strengthen legal arguments for preserving nature

A half-century-old, still-disputed idea about dense cosmic objects from the dawn of time could solve longstanding mysteries about the universe

Crystals of the mineral zircon are rugged enough to survive the most violent geologic events. Impurities within them provide a time capsule of planetary history.

OPINION: We owe these early fighters a debt of gratitude for transforming our response to public health crises.

The US effort to analyze viral genomes, slow to start, is now picking up speed

OPINION: A neuroscientist says that he’s particularly worried about kids, who may have spent much of last year learning online. Some easy hacks can help.

Hesitancy rates are falling but they’re still sizable, especially among certain groups. Easy access and trusted community messengers are keys to moving the needle.

The purpose of play — for children, monkeys, rats or meerkats — has proved surprisingly hard to pin down. Scientists continue to toss around ideas.

You can’t spot a liar just by looking — but psychologists are zeroing in on methods that might actually work