Click through this photo gallery to learn where in the world people can expect to lead the longest lives.
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
Ad of the Day: Flyers Reach Across the Aisle
An airline recently tackled Americans’ polarization head-on by challenging passengers to come to a unanimous agreement before their plane touched down.
If Romeo and Juliet had cellphones . . .
It’s easy to imagine that Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers would have had a happier ending with the benefit of modern technology. A social researcher explores this idea more deeply.
How 3-D Glasses Work
Even the cheesiest 3-D movie effects can be startling. How does a cheap pair of glasses make an image look like it’s coming right at us?
Macbeth’s encounter with the witches
Shakespeare’s source material, Holinshed’s Chronicles, appeared in two versions. Scholars from Oxford University have recently made side-by-side comparisons available online.
Like Humans, Chimps Reward Cooperation and Punish Freeloaders
The similarities between humans and chimpanzees are not merely genetic. Find out what researchers are learning about their very human-like behaviors.
California’s wildfires are not “natural” — humans made them worse at every step
It’s not your imagination—California’s wildfires really are threatening more people and property than ever. Find out about the changes that are fueling the destruction.
Everything You Need to Know About Israel-Palestine
Conflict has long been part of life in Israel. Explore this card stack to find out why it’s so difficult to resolve.
Shackleton’s Ad – Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey
Arctic explorer Ernest Shackleton is said to have advertised for companions: “Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful.” But did he really?
Segregation Now . . .
Six decades after U.S. schools were ordered to be racially integrated by the Supreme Court, enrollment is sliding back in the direction of segregation.
Juliet’s Wall Graffiti
Though not as poetic as Shakespeare, scores of tourists inscribe their own words of love on a wall outside what is billed as Juliet’s house in Verona, Italy.
Native American Pow Wows Celebrate Patriotism, Unity
Learn about the traditions shared by the many different nations and tribes of modern Native Americans.
Signs of Life
How pervasive is humans’ footprint on the Earth? Author Randall Munroe explores the question.
10 Famous Balancing Rocks Around the World
The wonder of balanced rocks astounds people on every continent. Find out about some of the best-known balanced rocks on Earth.
The 12 cognitive biases that prevent you from being rational
We may think we make our decisions in a rational way, based on the facts, but it turns out that our brains have other ideas.
Connecting with Nature Boosts Creativity and Health
Children in the modern world suffer from what one author has called “nature deficit disorder,” a lack of opportunities to enjoy and explore the natural world. Learn about the benefits nature provides children’s developing minds.
12 Surprising Facts About Starfish
You’ve probably heard that sea stars, or starfish, have the ability to regenerate limbs. Find out even more about these fascinating sea creatures.
Widely set eyes give hammerhead sharks exceptional binocular vision
The bizarre head shape of the hammerhead shark gives it a distinct advantage in hunting prey.
An IQ test for animals?
It’s one thing to talk about which animals are smarter than others, but it’s quite another task to design a test that proves it.
10 Steps to Fighting Injustice Through Social Media
Hashtag activism has brought a wide range of pressing issues to the forefront of people’s consciousness. Here are some tips for fighting injustice by starting a social media movement of your own.