Nature is important to humans in some very practical ways. Read about some of the technological advances the animal world has given us.
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
Volunteers sign up to put their lives on the line for a coronavirus vaccine
In the effort to fast-track a vaccine to prevent the spread of Covid-19, how much risk is acceptable?
The Power of Forgiveness: Why Revenge Hurts You More
Letting go of the wish for revenge can be a gift to yourself. Click through five suggestions that can help with this approach when someone wrongs you.
From the George Floyd moment to a Black Lives Matter movement, in tweets
To track the development of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, researchers analyzed social media use.
Do countries with female leaders truly fare better with Covid-19?
A popular meme says that countries led by women have excelled at limiting the spread of Covid-19. Do the data back up that claim?
How the Pandemic May Change Our Idea of Success
Major events have a way of shifting cultural attitudes. Read about why markers such as wealth and power are losing their importance.
Why Twitter Influences Cross-Cultural Engagement
Studies find that Americans increasingly segregate themselves, living and working mostly with people from similar backgrounds who hold similar beliefs. However, Twitter serves as a powerful tool for bringing together very different people and allowing them to share diverse viewpoints.
35 Who Made a Difference: Andy Goldsworthy
Unlike most artists, Andy Goldsworthy, the subject of the documentary film Rivers and Tides, does not intend for his work to last. Find out more about this unusual and influential artist.
How a book club is helping to keep ex-offenders from going back to jail
Reading books and writing poetry while in prison helped save Jimmy Santiago Baca from returning to a life of crime. A program in Washington, D.C., strives to make the same difference in the lives of prisoners.
How to Build a Happier Brain
There’s an old saying that people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. A new book bolsters the idea that it’s not what you see but how you see it that matters most when it comes to happiness.
Playing Nicely with Others: Why Schools Teach Social Emotional Learning
An increasing number of school districts are embracing the idea of explicitly teaching social skills. Why take time away from academic subjects? Because social-emotional skills help students learn better.
Your Gloomy Friends Don’t Want Cheering Up
Friendship can provide support during difficult times. But the best way to help a friend depends on that friend’s outlook.
The staggeringly large benefits of conserving nature
It may seem obvious that nature benefits humans, but you might be surprised to learn how much!
Scientists crack mystery of migrating monarch navigation
Butterflies may have tiny brains, but they manage an impressive feat of navigation, even when blown off course.
How to Survive a Disaster
It’s hard to predict how we’ll react in a crisis until one occurs. Some people spring into action, while others freeze. Find out how you can prepare yourself to respond well when things go wrong.
American slavery: Separating fact from myth
A professor tackles some of the most enduring misconceptions Americans hold about the institution of slavery.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Nobel Lecture
In 1964, Martin Luther King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts toward equal rights for all. Read the speech he gave the day after accepting this honor.
Nature: The Master Medicine-Maker
Not all medicines start out in labs; many life-saving medicines come from plants or animals, and more are being discovered all the time.
How common threats can make common (political) ground
It’s popular to say that Americans are more politically polarized now than they have been in years. But we can band together to tackle the problems we all agree exist.
12 issues almost all Americans agree on
If it sometimes seems like Americans will never agree with each other, think again. Here’s a look at some surprising poll results.