University of Chicago researchers have found that lonely people have less activity in the ventral striatum part of the brain, which is part of its reward center and is associated with learning.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
This kite could harness more of the world’s wind energy
Quests still happen today, though they may take different forms. Read about one company’s quest to harness the world’s strongest winds to power humanity.
Scientists Think They Know What Causes Trypophobia
Trypophobia describes the fear of clusters of holes. While it’s not officially recognized, many are convinced they have it.
“Everything is changing”: Farmers seek solutions, not slogans, on climate change
This article suggests that although many American farmers have doubts about the causes of climate change, they are willing to work with scientists to solve the problems presented by extreme weather events.
Nature crisis: Humans ‘threaten 1m species with extinction’
A 2019 study by the United Nations suggests that human actions could cause as many as one million species to become extinct within the next few decades. Read to learn more about the situation and to find out what you can do to help.
The disarming case to act right now on climate change
Sometimes it takes a teenager to spur adults to take action. Watch young activist Greta Thunberg explain what she asks from adults and why.
Diversity: A Garden Allegory with Suggestions for Direct Action
Poet and nature essayist Camille T. Dungy ponders the importance of diversity as she transforms her sterile yard to a more natural state.
The Most Mind-Blowing Space Stories of the 2010s
Review the past decade’s greatest science stories and breakthroughs gathered in one place. Do any of them blow your mind?
Calculate Your Dog’s Age With This New, Improved Formula
We’ve probably all heard that dogs age the equivalent of seven years for every human year. However, new research has proven that saying wrong. Use the dog age calculator to figure out the age of a furry friend and read up on the intricacies of dog aging.
Elephants Have a Special Alarm Sound: ‘Humans! Run!’
Elephants have their own languages, and scientists are learning to discern what their different sounds mean.
The oceans are taking a beating under climate change, U.N. report warns
Our planet’s oceans and ice face trouble due to climate change.
Nature Poems
Read this short history of poems about nature.
Why do we like being scared?
Rollercoasters, haunted houses, scary movies — we enjoy being scared, but have you ever wondered why? Some scientists think being scared is good for us!
How Plants Cope with the Desert Climate
How do desert plants survive their harsh climate? This article by Mark A. Dimmitt, Director of Natural History at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, explains the strategies plants use to keep the desert blooming.
Human Genome Project
Learn about the intensive research project that definitively showed the bonds among all humans.
What Is Infrared?
Your eyes are able to perceive many wavelengths of light as colors. But not all light is visible to the human eye. Here’s a closer look at some of what you can’t see—infrared light.
Modern Humans Retain Caveman’s Survival Instincts
Snakes and spiders top lists of things people fear, even though accidents and diseases are deadlier. The reason why harks back to the experiences of our early ancestors.
Teen Climber Survives Deadly Everest Avalanche
Matt Moniz was named “Adventurer of the Year” in 2010 by National Geographic when he was just 12! At 17 years old he realized his dream to climb Mount Everest but was also caught up in a deadly avalanche.
Out of Eden Walk
Paul Salopek is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who is retracing our ancestors’ migration out of Africa on foot. This epic journey began in Ethiopia in 2013 and will end this year at the tip of South America. Explore the walk and some of the latest stories from the journey.
Animal Intelligence
Get an overview of how intelligence appears across the animal world and why humans care so much about it.