If you've ever been curious as to why modern-day humans, especially our children, are able to drink cow's milk, keep being curious because a new study reveals that humans have only been able to be lactose tolerant in the last 5,000 or so years.

According to the study, the ability to process lactose was not highly prevalent in the Neolithic era. In fact, the researchers did not find any trace of the gene variant in their samples. The total absence suggests that no more than about 40 percent of the population could possibly have been lactose tolerant 5,000 years ago—indicating that the ability to digest the milk sugar probably resulted from the advent of dairy farming. more ›

It seems perversely fitting that a group committed to poking holes in our most cherished beliefs would set up shop here in la-la land, spiritual home of New Age America and breeding ground for some of the nation's creepiest cults. more ›

The following Southern California scientists and policymakers, including Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, are among those listed in the third annual Scientific American 50 Awards. more ›