Tag Archives: Science & Nature

Using data from social networks to understand and improve systems

Researchers at MIT are looking at how data collected from individuals and groups can be used for functions such as predicting sociopolitical change or measuring the effectiveness of policies in the developing world.

National Parks: Ken Burns on why they were America’s best idea

The National Park Service celebrates its centennial in 2016. An award-winning documentary filmmaker explains why our national parks matter more now than ever.

Hawking backs interstellar travel project

In April, physicist Stephen Hawking and a Russian billionaire announced plans for mankind’s furthest-ever exploration.

How to prepare for spring flash flooding

After spring showers, flash flooding is a major concern and can happen very quickly. Even a few inches of rain can cause a disaster.

Cats Are Not Dependent on Humans, Study Shows

As any cat owner will attest, cats are self-reliant. They do not depend on people for their safety or security.

Just How Big Is the Ocean?

The ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface. What lies beneath this vast space? How important is the ocean to human life, and how might our day-to-day life be impacting the condition of the ocean?

All Systems Go for NASA’s Mission to Jupiter Moon Europa

In the 1990s NASA sent Galileo to Jupiter and as a result believe strongly that there is an ocean beneath the frozen crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Another mission is planned for the 2020s to discover more about Europa’s potential to host life.

Don’t Care About National Parks? The Park Service Needs You To

This radio piece reports on the National Parks Service’s effort to reach out to minority communities.

Uprooted

Read about what motivates radical environmental activists.

Once a Risk-Taker, Always a Risk-Taker

A recent study found that though the willingness to take recreational risks declines with age, the willingness to take social risks stays the same, which may leave elderly people open to fraud.

In Midwest, Bringing Back Native Prairies Yard by Yard

A hundred and fifty years ago, much of the middle of the North American continent was a vast grassland. Bit by bit, some residents of the area today are working to restore what once was.

Infographic: Curiosity Rover’s “Seven Minutes of Terror”

You don’t have to be in a space shuttle to feel fear during a landing. NASA scientists felt terror as the Laboratory rover “Curiosity” attempted its landing on Mars.

Teenagers, Friends and Bad Decisions

Through functional magnetic resonance imaging scans of 40 teens and adults, scientists discovered that teens act differently when with friends than with adults. The study also indicated that teens were more likely to engage in risky behavior with friends. Read why teens make these kinds of decisions.

How the Pacific Northwest is preparing for a catastrophic tsunami

Scientists calculate that the Cascadia fault is overdue for a major quake and resulting tsunami. Find out how coastal communities are preparing for such a disaster.

The Curiosity of Animal Camouflage

Select the video How Do Animals Change Color? to find out how different animals change color and the reasons for their cunning and clever change of coat.

Explorer Vasco da Gama’s Shipwreck Found

Vasco da Gama, a 16th century Portuguese explorer, was the first European to reach India by sea. In 1998 archaeologists first discovered a shipwreck that is believed to be from da Gama’s second voyage to India. Browse through the photos of treasures found on the wreck and when you’ve finished reading the article click on the link How Satellites Find Shipwrecks From Space.

The Many Ethical Implications of Emerging Technologies

Philosopher and scientist Nayef Al-Rodhan acknowledges ethical questions raised by emerging technologies, and he argues that we must welcome innovation while maintaining a commitment to human rights and inclusiveness.