The Women ‘Computers’ Who Revolutionized Astronomy
Source: The Atlantic
In the late 19th century, a group of women were instrumental to the success of the Harvard College Observatory and the discoveries made there.
Science & Nature
In ‘All the Wild That Remains,’ David Gessner illuminates two great writers on the American West.
Source: The Washington Post
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’
Source: Star Tribune
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
Source: The Guardian
Learn how one teenager pursued his fascination with technology to develop a solution to a difficult modern problem.
What is the Science Behind Fear?
Source: CNN
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?
Source: NOAA
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
Source: Science Alert
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
Source: BBC
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
Source: National Public Radio
Studies have found that domesticated animals have smaller brains than their wild cousins. What does that mean for us?
It’s the Season
Source: Arizona State University
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?