Perhaps the most ambitious and far-flung quest humans have yet undertaken—the search for intelligent life elsewhere in the universe—recently received renewed support. It’s no science fiction tale.
Tag Archives: Science & Nature
Einstein’s gravitational waves ‘seen’ from black holes
In a breakthrough being compared to the first time Galileo looked through a telescope, researchers have recently detected gravitational waves that originated over a billion light-years from Earth. Learn about this new way of looking at the universe.
Biblical bee-keepers picked the best bees
One of the earliest ways humans harnessed the power of nature was through keeping livestock—including bees. Find out how long-ago beekeepers made the most of what nature had to offer.
18 Really Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Humpback Whales
Here are 18 facts about humpback whales that might surprise you. Fact #6 is a video that shows the ingenious way a dozen whales work together to herd fish.
Less Algae, Not Clearer Water, Keeps Tahoe Blue
Read about how the levels of algae affect the blueness of Lake Tahoe’s water.
Personal submarine brings ocean exploration to all
The oceans are still relatively unexplored, not to mention inaccessible to the majority of people. In this video you’ll see a glimpse of how it could be possible for us all to “fly” underwater.
Risk-takers are smarter, according to a new study
Researchers in Finland have found that high-risk-taking participants in a study displayed more white matter, which contains the brain’s neural superhighways. The experiment involved measuring the participants’ brain activity while they played a driving video game.
Nature and technology: friends or enemies?
Journalist Molly Flatt argues that there are positive relationships between nature and technology and that people can use technology to connect to nature.
The True Story of Kudzu, the Vine That Never Truly Ate the South
Fast-growing kudzu vines enveloping manmade structures may be a stereotype of the American South, but the truth is more complex.
Biologists Could Soon Resurrect Extinct Species. But Should They?
Many species are endangered and near extinction, but lab scientists could save them. Is it the right thing to do? Read the article and think about what you might decide.
Video Feature: Apps to Cope and Help in a Disaster
During a natural disaster, a smartphone with the FEMA app can be a vital tool. Watch the video and read what help you can find on this app before, during, or after a disaster.
Flamingos Apply “Makeup” to Impress Mates
Everyone wants to look his or her best, even flamingos! Find out what scientists surmise about flamingo behavior.
What’s it like to live without nature?
Miranda Andersen, a 13-year-old living near Vancouver, gave a TEDx speech on nature-deficit disorder in October 2012. In this article she talks about what nature means to her creativity, health, and well-being, and her passion and motivation to care for all living and natural things.
What are the dangers of living on Mars?
Are you keen on taking the one-way trip to Mars in 2020 as part of the Mars One mission? What do you think the potential risks of such a feat might be?
How Living Off the Grid Works
People who choose to live “off the grid” often do so for environmental reasons. This article explains the steps to take to disconnect from public utiltites.
Luck and Skill Untangled: The Science of Success
Science writer Samuel Arbesman and financial analyst Michael Mauboussin discuss the relationship between skill and luck and how it affects success.
Conflict resolution: Wars without end
Learn how researchers are using data and systems analysis to attempt to resolve intractable conflicts.
Wildlife thriving around Chernobyl nuclear plant despite radiation
Depending on which experts are talking, the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine and Belarus is either a thriving wildlife sanctuary or a deadly no-man’s land. How well has nature repaired itself after the man-made 1986 disaster?
Trash-mapping expedition sheds light on “Great Pacific Garbage Patch”
A garbage dump twice the size of Texas? In the Pacific Ocean? Find out what scientists and volunteers have discovered and what they are saying about this human-caused disaster.
Does Your Dog Really Love You?
Find out what news correspondent Anderson Cooper thinks about his dog’s intelligence and how little we know about dogs.