The most "WTF" scientific discoveries of 2020
Inverse's annual celebration of remarkable science that makes us ask, WTF?
'Anti-gravity' experiment defies physics using one simple trick
Is physics broken?
The science behind catnip’s potent powers, explained
This trick of evolution will blow your mind.
An ancient case of mistaken identity reveals a strange amphibian
You won't be able to keep up with the twists and turns in this story.
3.2 billion-pixel space camera captures largest photo ever
Scientists have designed a camera capable of capturing 3.2 billion-pixel images, and they tried it out on some vegetables.
This is a sheep's brain on ketamine
Drugged sheep could be the future of treatments for depression.
Finally, scientists find the oldest sperm in the world
Old and massive.
Vaping coats the mouth in a "slime-cloak" — study
E-cigarettes can totally mess with the microbes in your mouth.
Chloroquine: the miracle drug that never was
It was never meant to be.
Brain-boosting supplements may be laced with unapproved foreign drugs — study
These supplements may not be a smart choice.
This ancient worm-like creature is an evolutionary miracle
It is pure fate that we do not share the Earth with them.
Saber-tooth tigers may have been the size of grand pianos — study
Scientists have found a skull sample in Uruguay that changes what we think about saber-tooth tigers.
This duck's semen holds a surprising clue to animal evolution
Sperm may be mallard ducks' superpower.
Fossil teeth confirm our wildest fears about this ancient predator
Jaws has nothing on this fella.
Mummified Ice Age puppy's final snack stuns scientists
Wooly rhino, anyone?
Researchers find one big surprise in this pizza-munching lizard
Hold your nose.
This Australian spider evolved to kill us — here’s why
This will seriously freak you out.
The 25 most “WTF” science stories of 2019
Things got weird this year. Real weird.
Scientists discover a “therapeutic gold mine” in one surprising place
Everyone hates it, but snot might solve many of our woes.
Mutants among us: "Natural short sleepers" reveal the genetics of sleep
Understanding why some people need just 4 to 6 hours sleep a night could lead to better sleep for everyone.
The science-backed guide to intermittent fasting, 2019's most popular diet
In 2019, Inverse asked the experts what intermittent fasting actually does to your body.
Ancient humans procreated with at least four other species
In 2019, the human family tree got a little more complicated.
Peeing at night could cost the United States' economy billions
Midnight nature calls cause unwelcome disruptions to sleep -- but the costs may be even higher.
How a "fussy eater" went blind from a junk food diet
This rare, devastating condition is usually only seen in war zones.
Pfizer study argues Viagra may improve an unexpected type of performance
Viagra's parent company tried to expand its empire from the bedroom to the office in 2019.
How Medieval Christians built the modern nuclear family
A centuries-old cultural shift still influences families -- and you -- today.
Almost all near-death experiences have these visions in common -- study
Deceased relatives and dark tunnels are just the beginning.
'Cats' is undeniably creepy, and there's a psychological reason for it
They're sexy. They're creepy. They live in the uncanny valley.
Scientific breakthrough may push an aphrodisiac mushroom into the mainstream
The fungus can be found protruding from the corpse of a dead caterpillar.
Study reveals what happens to the brain on LSD
The psychedelic experience has a lot in common with sensory overload.
How copulating rabbits helped reveal the evolutionary roots of female orgasms
A rabbit called Frank and his female partners co-wrote a new chapter in the history of orgasms.
How a 24-year-old mystery was solved by a shark tooth
This summer, a crack team of scientists used advanced DNA technology to solve a shark-attack cold case.
Six-fingered people exemplify why an extra digit means a better hand
Some polydactyly people have "superior" abilities.
Snapchat Dysmorphia: Plastic Surgeons Are Concerned About Effect of Filters
The latest cosmetic ideal is a dangerous one to pursue.
Ancient Mummy Mistaken for a Hawk Was Actually a Human Baby
Look again.
Having Big Genitals Drove a Species Extinct
In defense of being average.
There's a High Concentration of Psychopaths in Washington, D.C.
"Psychopaths prefer both opportunities for power and the anonymity that a city can offer."
A 5-Foot Tapeworm Grew Inside a Man Because He Ate Too Much Raw Salmon
There's a picture to prove it.
A Woman Died From "Apitherapy," a Bee Acupuncture Treatment
Here's why the Gwyneth Paltrow-approved procedure is such a bad idea.
The Mystery of Wombats' Cube-Shaped Poop Has Finally Been Solved
"I was very, very skeptical because I didn’t think that poop could be square."
Ancient White Stuff in Egyptian Tomb Turned Out to Be World's Oldest Cheese
Bust out the crackers!
UK Woman Had Contact Lens Lodged in Her Eye for 28 Years
She mistakenly though it had fallen out.
Mona Lisa's Enigmatic Smile Explained by a Common Medical Condition
There's more to the famous portrait than meets the eye.
Scientists Killed the Kilogram in 2018, Long Live the Kilogram
It's been reborn as something much better: the kilogram.
Giant Hogweed Burned the Heck Out of Americans in 2018
An enormous ornamental plant seared the flesh of its victims.
WTF, Condom Challenge: Teens Started Snorting Condoms and Doctors Got Mad
Remember the Condom Challenge? That was this year.
Viagra: Erectile Dysfunction Drug Prevents Colon Polyps in Mouse Study
A pleasant surprise.
The Great Laurel vs. Yanny Divide Didn't Have to Happen, Says Linguist
All that fuss for nothing.
Here's an Ear Growing on an Arm Thanks to the US Army
It gave a wounded soldier a second chance.
