Why does time seem to slow down when we fear for our lives?
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
Secret of Photo 51
James Watson and Francis Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery of the structure of DNA. One key to this discovery was a photograph taken using a revolutionary technique by the English scientist Rosalind Franklin. Explore this site to learn how Franklin made this stunning photograph and why she didn’t receive the credit she was due during her lifetime.
The Body Politic
We may be in the habit of thinking of bacteria as bad organisms that cause disease, but there’s another side to our relationship with them. In the human body, bacteria outnumber human cells, and as this article explains, we couldn’t survive without them.
How Landfills Work
A landfill isn’t just a dump. It’s carefully designed and managed to keep trash separated from the surrounding environment and to reduce moisture and air that would break down trash. Find out more about these complex structures.
Why We Laugh
Laughter serves an important social function, helping us form bonds with others. Learn more in this TED Talk by neuroscientist and comedian Sophie Scott.
U.S. – Soviet Alliance, 1941–1945
They may have eyed each other with suspicion before and been sworn enemies after, but the United States and the Soviet Union found common ground during World War II, working together to defeat Nazi Germany.
In The Shadow Of Kafka: David Baddiel explores “The Metamorphosis” for new BBC radio series
Franz Kafka’s novella “The Metamorphosis” baffled readers when it first appeared in print a century ago. A new radio series explores its continuing influence.
Teen Brains, Under Construction
Part of the dramatic tension in Romeo & Juliet is that the audience can predict negative consequences for the title characters’ rash decisions. Why don’t they stop and think instead of jumping to conclusions? Partly because their teenaged brains are still in the process of developing, not ready for life-and-death choices.
Slow boat to Timbuktu
A travel writer explores the contradictions of Africa’s Niger River as it flows through Mali to the ancient city of Timbuktu.
Secrets Behind the Sidewalk: How 3D Sidewalk Art Is Made
Julian Beever and other 3D sidewalk artists use perspective to their advantage to help them fool the eyes of viewers. Learn about the techniques that create such convincing illusions.
Silent Darien: The gap in the world’s longest road
Ambitious travelers hoping to traverse the Americas from Alaska to Argentina can travel the Pan-American Highway, with one notable exception—the impassable Darien Gap in Panama.
Anti-homeless spikes: ‘Sleeping rough opened my eyes to the city’s barbed cruelty’
It’s easy to view homeless people as “other” without considering why they are homeless or what challenges they face. In some cities, businesses have installed “defensive architecture” designed to stop homeless people from congregating or sleeping in public spaces. Read one writer’s opinion of this practice.
Barrett Brown Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison in Connection with Stratfor Hack
Some consider Barrett Brown, a journalist and activist recently sentenced to five years in prison, a political prisoner. Read the article to decide for yourself.
Reverently and Defiantly, Czechs Honor Velvet Revolution’s Anniversary
In 1989, peaceful demonstrations toppled four decades of Communist rule in what was then Czechoslovakia. Twenty-five years later, the people of the democratic Czech Republic celebrated and reflected on this gentle revolution.
Hoping to aid veterans, Ohio teen invents physical therapy device
Many teens enjoy tinkering with simple robots, but a 14-year-old in Ohio has turned this fun hobby into a mission to help others.
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s one-man mission
The astrophysicist and educator Neil deGrasse Tyson, host of the television series Cosmos, wants us to view the earth with a “cosmic perspective.” Find out what that means in this 60 Minutes interview.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
Beginning with its first inductee, Thomas Edison, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has each year honored the hard work and ingenuity of often-unsung innovators. Explore the database to learn more about Elijah McCoy and his fellow inventors.
It Helps to Like Your Neighbor During a Natural Disaster
In one natural disaster after another, survival stories emerge. One key factor in many of these tales is a strong bond among neighbors. While early-warning systems and community support systems are certainly important, neighbors who freely share information and resources because they care about each other are crucial.
Saudi Arabia women defy authorities over female driving ban
In Saudi Arabia, no law bars women from driving cars, but cultural tradition does. In recent years, though, some Saudi women have defied the ban and even posted videos online of themselves driving, resulting in official punishment and harassment from neighbors.
Is There Love at First Sight?
Upon seeing Juliet for the first time, Romeo forgets about pining for Rosaline, exclaiming, “Did my heart love till now?”This sudden change may seem far-fetched, but plenty of people believe in the idea of love at first sight.