Hidden Figures, first a book and now a movie, brings to light the significant role of some of the female African-American mathematicians at NASA during the 1960s, and the challenges faced by the women at that time.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
Why It’s Impossible to Predict When That Giant Antarctic Ice Sheet Will Split
There are many factors that will affect when the Antarctic ice sheet named Larsen C will collapse and what the impact will be to sea levels. Larsen A and Larsen B disintegrated in 1995 and 2002.
Book Excerpt from The Mountain: My Time on Everest
Ed Viesturs is an American high-altitude mountaineer who rose to the challenge of climbing over 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) on Mount Everest in 1987 at 27 years old. 18 years later he was recognized as the first American to climb all fourteen peaks in the world higher than 8,000 meters.
The Neuroscience of Imagination
The power of the imagination knows no bounds! How much work do you think your brain is doing to conjure up a unique, crazy image? Learn about the neuroscience behind this amazing creative tool.
The Women ‘Computers’ Who Revolutionized Astronomy
In the late 19th century, a group of women were instrumental to the success of the Harvard College Observatory and the discoveries made there.
In ‘All the Wild That Remains,’ David Gessner illuminates two great writers on the American West.
Read this review of nature writer David Gessner’s biography of two other authors whose work he argues remains relevant today.
Minneapolis author Louise Erdrich finds writing humor is the ‘hardest thing’
Award-winning author Louise Erdrich discusses her writing process and the Native American tradition at the root of her newest novel, LaRose.
Texas teenager creates $20 water purifier to tackle toxic e-waste pollution
Learn how one teenager pursued his fascination with technology to develop a solution to a difficult modern problem.
What is the Science Behind Fear?
Some people react to frightening situations like horror movies and roller coasters with enjoyment, while others experience stress. Learn about why our brains process fear in different ways.
What Is Ocean Exploration and Why Is It Important?
Earth’s oceans are largely undiscovered and hugely important in our current climate. Read the introduction and then click the links at the end to find out more.
Scientists just accidentally discovered a process that turns CO2 directly into ethanol
Excess carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere is causing extinctions, killing coral reefs, and feeding global warming. Scientists recently stumbled onto a remarkably simple solution.
Tasmanian devil milk fights superbugs
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.
“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.