Author Randall Munroe answers readers’ questions about lightning—not necessarily in ways that calm their fears.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle May Finally Be Solved
The source of many bizarre tales, this area of the Atlantic Ocean has claimed a surprising number of ships and planes. But it’s not sea monsters or extraterrestrials causing the chaos.
Natural disasters — statistics & facts
Get the big picture of types and impacts of natural disasters by clicking around this page. You’ll find graphs ranking disasters by type, location, damage done, and much more.
In a First, Gravitational Waves Linked to Neutron Star Crash
Imagine the elation at witnessing a cosmic event that occurred millions of years ago! That’s what happened in October this year when scientists announced the ripple effect (literally) of two neutron stars crashing into each other around 130 million years ago.
A Chinese perspective on Autumn
Scenes of colorful leaves dropping to the ground typically signify Fall. But, not to everyone. To the Chinese, Fall (or Autumn) represents the color white among other connotations.
Fall Seed Saving Tips
The seed for the Edible Schoolyard Project was sown 20 years ago at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California! The concept is that the garden is an interactive classroom. Read this article from the ESY about collecting seeds in the Fall.
Check out the United Arab Emirates’ plans for building a Martian city—on Earth
Building a city on Mars is full of unknown risk. The United Arab Emirates plan to build a Martian city…on Earth…within the next ten years or so to plan for the real thing.
15 Examples of the Most Epic Metamorphoses from Youth to Adult
Can you think of many animals that go through a dramatic physical transformation and appearance during their lifetime, aside from the butterfly? Have a look at this list of the top 15.
Did John Deere’s Best Invention Spark a Revolution or an Environmental Disaster?
This article examines the complexities of farming technology and its environmental impact since the invention of John Deere’s steel plow in 1833.
When Girls Studied Planets and the Skies Had No Limits
In the early 1800s, astronomy was seen as a feminine hobby. As it became professionalized, women started to become sidlined. Scientists like Maria Mitchell fought for women’s place in the field.
Are we raising a generation of nature-phobic kids?
James Campbell, author of Braving It: A Father, A Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild, discusses scientific research that shows children have become more afraid of being outside and argues that parents should take their kids out into nature.
Man’s Best Friend: The Science Behind the Dog and Human Relationship
What is it about dogs that makes us love them and treat them like family?
Dramatic Video Shows Deadly Tsunami Hitting Greenland
As ocean temperatures warm, disasters that have not occurred in recorded history are becoming the norm.
Not So Different: Finding Human Nature in Animal Nature
In this interview, molecular biologist Nathan Lents discusses his book, Not So Different: Finding Human Nature in Animals.
Course explores new field at intersection of genomics and society
As sequencing one’s genes becomes more common, the field of social genomics is growing.
Awesome Animals: The Piglet Squid
Meet a bizarrely adorable creature that lives in the deep sea all over the world.
What Would Happen If Yellowstone’s Supervolcano Erupted?
In recent years we’ve heard at lot about the possibility of the volcanoes at Yellowstone erupting. Find out the facts about this rumored disaster.
Leap Seconds
A day is a day long, right? Not so fast. Author Randall Munroe explores the difference between what we perceive and how fast the Earth is turning.
This Environmental Scientist Makes Art Out Of Climate Data
By incorporating environmental data into her artwork, scientist and artist Jill Pelto hopes to inform an audience who might not otherwise seek out the information. Scroll through the images at the top of the article to view her work.
How does the way food looks or its smell influence taste?
What goes on in our brains before we ever put a piece of food in our mouths? Our senses of smell, sight and touch contribute a lot to how we perceive the taste of food.