Author Archives: Mikki Gibson

Shakespeare in lockdown: Did he write King Lear in plague quarantine?

One silver lining of shelter-in-place orders is that they might give rise to creativity. Learn more about a popular idea that sets the bar high.

Inventing Telescopes

For most of human history, our view of the universe has been limited to only what the eye could see. But the ingenuity that spurred the Renaissance gave us the beginnings of a more distant view that revolutionized our understanding.

Jade Hameister Responds to Internet Trolls by Making a Sandwich at the South Pole

It’s difficult enough to undertake a quest, but one teen recently accomplished a stunning goal while also using humor to shut down her critics.

Shakespeare, Lincoln, and Ambition

Abraham Lincoln once wrote, “I think nothing equals Macbeth.” Learn about how Shakespeare’s dramatic exploration of ambition may have affected how Lincoln acted on his own ambition.

Falling in love is the easy part

As Romeo and Juliet could tell you, it’s less difficult to fall in love than to sustain it. A columnist who participated in a famous experiment about falling in love shares her experience.

How weaponizing the body’s immune system can deliver a cure for cancer

A cancer diagnosis was once a death sentence, but researchers have developed a whole toolbox of treatments and preventative measures in recent decades. Learn about one of the most promising approaches to stopping this deadly disease.

Why a Free Media Means a Free Society

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. That essential freedom provides a powerful check to protect our democracy.

In polarized political climate, study finds common ground

People with opposing political views may not find much to agree on, but it turns out that they share actual common ground in their appreciation of parkland.

French Revolution

The American Revolution didn’t only bring freedom to Americans; it also helped fuel a revolution across the ocean in France. Learn about how the French people overthrew their monarchy and what the result of the revolution was.

The science of choking under pressure—and how to avoid it

What makes an elite athlete fail just at the moment they’ve been training for since childhood? Read about the causes of “choking” and ways to prevent it.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas, “Mother of the Everglades”

Read about how one dedicated voice turned the view of Florida’s Everglades from negative to positive.

Smart vultures never, ever cross the Spain-Portugal border. Why?

A bird can fly anywhere. So why wouldn’t it cross a national border? Find out how scavenging birds have responded to government policies in Europe.

News and America’s Kids

How do you decide what to believe? See what other young people think about the information they see every day.

A Fairy Tale Influence

In this interview, fairy tale author Jack Zipes discusses why fairy tales matter, who their audience is, and how they influence the horror genre.

What Is Drought?

Any weather extreme can result in disaster. Click the links to learn about the causes and effects of severe lack of rainfall.

Countries Where Women Have Held Power, 1960 – 2020

Women leading nations may be relatively commonplace now, but that’s a fairly recent development. Dive into statistics about women as world leaders over the past half century.

Homeless teen who became valedictorian shares heartbreaking story during graduation speech

Faced with the death of a parent and subsequent homelessness, Tupac Mosley created his own inspiring success story. Watch his valedictory speech and read about his bright future.

Best Careers for the Future: 51 Jobs for 2020 and Way Beyond!

What’s the most futuristic job you can imagine? Nanotech Engineer? Android Relationship Counselor? Explore these and other jobs of the near and distant future.