Tom Rees looks into a new paper that examines what kind of a person sees ghosts.

As was the case last week, ethicist Alonzo Fyfe continues to post on evolution and morality. I highly suggest anyone read these posts. Follow the discussion here, here, here, and here.

Steven Novella posted this week with a discussion of the evolution of feathers.

As you've no doubt heard by now, for the first time in almost 600 years, the Pope has resigned citing his age and health. Michael Nugent lists 10 reasons to be glad the Pope is bailing. Here's a bit about how the selection of a new Pope will go. Check out The Onion's coverage of the announcement for some lulz.

David Gorski is upset with Penn and Teller for their appearance on the Dr Oz show.

Check out this incredible interactive panoramic image of Mars. It's like standing on the planet. 

What there was only some indication of is now confirmed: 800 meters below the surface of Antarctica, Lake Whilans harbors an active microbiology.

The excited questions last week wondering just what was that metal looking thing on Mars seen in images taken by Curiosity has been answered. (pdf)

Self-assembling molecules offer clues to life's possible origins.

The surprising ways humans continue to evolve.

Recently Massimo Pigliucci criticized a piece by Michael Shermer on the science of morality. This week Shermer replies. An interesting discussion on an important topic.

The body's immune defense cells interact with the brain in a complicated dialogue. Carl Zimmer describes new research into the question of whether this interaction might actually boost IQ.

Jerry Coyne questions the coherence Max Tegmark's recent assertion that religion and science aren't in conflict.

Young bonobos offer comforting hugs and sex.

The saltiest pond on Earth could explain how bodies of water may form on Mars.

A heaping helping of burning stupid, a Missouri bill redefines science and gives equal time to intelligent design.

Why you shouldn't believe the resurrection happened.

Useless?? The appendix evolved over 30 times!

The LHC has shut down for 2 years to upgrade, new physics still in the offing.

Believing that things are more beautiful- not less- when we understand their mechanisms, Ethan Siegel explains the physics of sunsets.

A new paper claiming to examine Bigfoot's genome "conclusively proves" that Sasquatch is real!

Scientists give lab rats a sixth sense, the ability to "touch" infrared light.

Secret funding helped build a vast network of climate denial think tanks.

It all started when the Discovery Institute wrote to ask this geology professor if they could use a photograph of his in a forthcoming book of theirs. The professor pointedly said no. See how the Disco representative replied.

A sand grain-sized drum is the largest object ever to demonstrate quantum uncertainty.

The mystery of the origin of cosmic rays, finally solved.

A newly discovered virus may be the most abundant organism on the planet.

You surely saw the news about the meteorite that exploded over Russia. Here you can view photographs of the event. Here are 9 different videos of the event. Some key questions are answered here.

The most influential climate science paper to date remains unknown to most people.

The Army wants the cadet who resigned from West Point due to anti-atheist discrimination to pay up.

How neuroscience will fight five age old afflictions.

What nuclear bombs tell us about... our tendons?

Most religious states are also those with the highest rates of anti-depressant use.