Marsupial babies develop in the not-terribly-sanitary environment of the mother’s pouch. To protect their young from infection, the milk of marsupials such as the Tasmanian devil has powerful antibiotic properties—properties that may help humans.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
“Wassup, Sheep?” He Asked
Studies have found that domesticated animals have smaller brains than their wild cousins. What does that mean for us?
It’s the Season
Humans can tell when a change of season is underway through visual clues like the sprouting of new plants in spring or a sharp drop in temperature in winter. But how do animals know if it’s time to get busy building or to look for a nice spot to snuggle up in for a few months?
Challenger Disaster
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven of its crew members. At this site, you can read and watch videos about this national tragedy.
The AI Revolution Is On
Artificial intelligence is all around us—and it’s not a bunch of robots that behave like humans. Find out what AI looks like in today’s world, and discover how we got here.
What Separates Us from Chimpanzees?
The line between humans and animals, biologist Jane Goodall argues, is fuzzy. In this TED Talk, she explores not only how human-like chimpanzees and other animals can be, but also how the human world and the natural world are intertwined—and how we can use our influence for good.
Elephants Outwit Humans During Intelligence Test
Scientists working with elephants from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, Thailand, designed an experiment that required the elephants to work together in order to get food. The elephants’ ability to understand and use teamwork was surprising!
Orphans’ Lonely Beginnings Reveal How Parents Shape A Child’s Brain
Research has shown that the bond between parents and children affects brain development. This story gives a brief overview of this ongoing research and tells how the lack of a parental bond has impacted the life of one man who was adopted at the age of 11.
Why We Explore
Our goals and technology for space exploration have changed, but our pursuit of knowledge is just as active today as it was during President Kennedy’s era. Discover the future of space exploration by accessing videos and interactive infographics on NASA’s website.
Nature: Now Showing on TV
Is our digital experience with nature eclipsing our real experience with nature? What do we gain by watching wildlife on a webcam? What do we lose? In this essay, writer Diane Ackerman shares her opinion about our digital connection to nature.
Think Like Einstein
Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity helped us understand that traveling forward in time is possible. Are you curious about how this works? Learn to think like Einstein as you follow this simple experiment about time travel. It’s not as hard as it sounds!
Nature in Chinese Culture
Throughout history, nature has inspired Chinese artwork. Read the article to learn about the country’s connection to nature and click some of the images in the slideshow to view specific art pieces.
Technology That Imitates Nature
From Velcro to robotics, nature is the inspiration for all sorts of technological advances.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Letter From the President
Neha Chauhan is the founder of AFA Teens: Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness. Her research into Alzheimer’s disease began while at high school.
A dog has given birth to the first identical twin puppies
Kurt de Cramer, a vet in South Africa was both astounded and excited to deliver the first known genetically identical twin puppies during a Caesarean section. Read about why twin animals are rare.
An animated lesson full of adorable animals made of autumn leaves
You are what you eat! What about the stuff you don’t know you are eating, like dried plant matter that becomes part of the food chain? Here’s an interesting angle on the subject through a creative animation.
New ‘Selfie’ MicroSatellite Captures Images of Chinese Space Station
In mid October two Chinese astronauts set off into Space to begin a 30-day stay at the Tiangong II space station. Keeping an eye on the condition of the station is a companion satellite with a 25 megapixel camera.
Reader View: The wilderness can handle bikes
Brent Bonwell, an advocate of the mountain biking community, argues that allowing mountain bikes in wilderness areas will expand access to more people, a stated goal of the Wilderness Society, and help volunteers and rangers maintain trails.
10 Ways to Raise Brave Girls
Caroline Paul, author of The Gutsy Girl, discusses how to instill a sense of daring into girls and why it’s important.
Are Pit Bulls Really Dangerous?
Learn what dog bite statistics and analysis show about the danger of pit bulls.