Butterflies may have tiny brains, but they manage an impressive feat of navigation, even when blown off course.
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
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.
Animal Navigation
How does a flock of geese or a desert ant find its way without getting lost? Learn about the many strategies and adaptations animals use to help them navigate.
Are some facial expressions universal across cultures?
Cultures around the globe may have different approaches to social interactions, but the meanings of many facial expressions are the same.
Power Makes People Happy
Researchers say that the human need for power is less a desire to control others and more a wish to be free from others’ control.
Marie Curie
Learn about the hardships and decisions made by one of the most Important scientists of the 20th century.
Building a Rescue Roach
Robot designers are taking inspiration from the lowly cockroach to develop a tiny tool for saving lives in a disaster.
COVID-19’s essential workers deserve hazard pay
What’s the definition of an essential worker? How much should essential workers be paid? Read about some of the options and opinions around “hero pay.”
What is the future for travel and migration in age of COVID-19?
Whether it’s an epic journey or a nice vacation, travel restrictions may change the way we move around the globe for a long time to come.
Freedom and privacy in the time of coronavirus
A global epidemic doesn’t only provide medical challenges; it also forces countries to re-evaluate the freedoms and limitations of their people.
Fake animal news abounds on social media as coronavirus upends life
The idea of nature rebounding from humanity while people are staying home is inspiring. But it isn’t necessarily true.
Stay-at-home order protesters represent a minority view
What you see on the news or in viral videos doesn’t always tell the whole story. Read about the reality behind recent scenes of protest.
With Senior Year in Disarray, Teens and Young Adults Feel Lost
Many high school and college seniors looked forward to markers of success such as graduation for years. Now they’re coping with disappointment.
The Founding Fathers Weren’t Concerned with Inequality
Learn why our founding documents say next to nothing about the democratic principle of economic security.
Australia has found common ground to respond to Covid-19. We can do the same for climate change
The crises Australians faced in 2020 helped to unite them, prompting optimism about how the country will face future challenges.