Horseradish, onions and caffeine all activate a group of chemical receptors that can trigger a pain signal. Turns out the same receptors exist in fruitflies, mussels, corals and mule deer. Why has this receptor survived a half-billion years? Because it protects against toxic chemicals – even if they taste good in small doses!

Lenses cannot project a perfect image on the flat back of a camera, so images are distorted at the edges. A revolutionary camera solves this problem by curving the light detector.

Presto-chango! Caterpillar larva looks like a bird dung — and then like a leaf. New study points a finger at hormonal balance…

New discovery shows how all animals store fat in cells, could lead to advances in fight against obesity or diabetes. Funny, maybe storing fat is a good thing.

Survive the vaccination routine? That’s no fun for anyone — parent or child.

30 years ago, a legendary biochemist said vitamin C could cure cancer. Har, har, said the scientific establishment. Now a mouse study shows C fighting two cancers. Did brilliant scientist and peace activist Linus Pauling get it right?

220-million-year-old rock reveals four-legged reptile with wings. Fossils could not be removed, so the images came from CT scanner.

Most music is built on the 12-tone “chromatic” scale. Does this reflect chance, or the basic structure of the human voice? New study finds tight link between pronunciation and musical scale.

Computer graphics and microbiology unite as scientists build complex digital models of cellular machinery to view a microscopic world in powerful new ways.

It’s a wonder of the human brain: When we pay attention to something, it becomes brighter, more distinct, more memorable.