Wildflowers aren’t just pretty to look at—they serve crucial roles in our environment.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
Arctic 2.0: What Happens After All the Ice Goes?
As global climate change increases temperatures at the poles, researchers consider the likely effects of all that extra liquid water.
Real Landscapes of the Great Flood Myths
A geologist explores the intersection between his own field and myths around the world.
Malcolm Gladwell got us wrong: Our research was key to the 10,000-hour rule, but here’s what got oversimplified
Psychologist Anders Ericsson and his colleague explain how Malcolm Gladwell misunderstood Ericcson’s research when proposing that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become successful in any given field.
The 10 Smartest Animals
Find out how humans compare with the brightest members of the animal kingdom.
It’s Time for a Conversation
Humans are only just beginning to understand the genius of our cetacean cousins. What might we learn if we unravel how to communicate with dolphins?
Change the Way You Look at Things and the Things You Look at Change
A bee; is it an insect to be feared or a mainstay in the production of our fresh food? Well, it depends how your mind perceives it. It’s quite possible to change the way we look at things.
The History of Earth Day
Across many nations, including America, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. This is a day for people worldwide to focus on the great environment in which we live and breathe, and raise awareness about environmental problems.
Edgar Allan Poe–Cosmologist?
In this blog post, literary scholar René van Slooten argues that Poe was ahead of his time in scientific thought.
The Nature Cure
James Hamblin, a skeptical medical doctor, explores the benefits of ecotherapy.
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Roiled U.S. on Eve of Civil War
In his new book, author and professor Randall Fuller investigates how abolitionists and slaveholders reacted to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. In this Q&A, he shares what he discovered.
Why exploration matters—and why the government should pay for it
Neil deGrasse Tyson makes the case for doubling the small budget allotted to NASA.
Fighting big farm pollution with a tiny plant
When fertilizer runs off into streams, it can cause major water-quality problems. One teenager found a surprisingly simple solution.
Birdbrain Breakthrough
It was once thought that we developed all of the brain cells we would ever have in the womb. However, that belief has been upended, in part through the study of birds.
The look of love: How humans and dogs bond
If you feel like you and your dog love each other, it isn’t just your imagination. Research shows that levels of a bonding hormone spike in both dogs and their humans when they’re together.
Nature Matters
Of course humans need nature, but here is a collection of people’s personal stories about why nature matters in their lives. Click the links to find out more.
Citizen scientists contribute to dog research
What if you could advance scientific knowledge just by playing with your dog?
Experiments show how quickly we adjust to seeing everything upside-down
Imagine spending every minute of every day seeing everything upside down. Simple tasks like pouring a glass of juice would be far from automatic, but only at first.
What Can Magicians Teach Us about the Brain?
Neuroscience informs magicians’ techniques or magicians’ knowledge informs neuroscience. Well, it can work both ways according to this article. Scientists could have a lot to learn about cognitive processes…if magicians are willing to let them in on their secrets!
The Path to Mars: Deep Space Mission
When this video was produced it was thought that the person who will become the very first person to set foot on Mars is probably sitting in a classroom right now. The SLS spacecraft is due to make an unmanned flight in November 2018 but more recently NASA are investigating the risks and feasibility of sending a crew at this time instead of holding off for 2030.