The discovery of a gene shared by two unrelated species of fish is the latest evidence that horizontal gene transfers occur surprisingly often in vertebrates.

To understand what quantum computers can do — and what they can’t — avoid falling for overly simple explanations.

Scientists have long struggled to understand how common planets form. A new supercomputer simulation shows that the missing ingredient may be magnetism.

A new proof establishes the boundary at which a shape becomes so corrugated, it can be crushed.

In some symbiotic partnerships, an RNA-based mechanism may sabotage the growth of greedy hosts.

Scientists have begun to decipher the subtle signs that reveal how explosive a volcanic eruption is going to be.

Playing with numbers can lead to deep mathematical and scientific insights.

Jordan Ellenberg enjoys studying — and writing about — the mathematics underlying everyday phenomena.

Groundbreaking results show that neutron stars of different masses may have the same size — upending astrophysical models.