Science & Nature

Flamingos Apply “Makeup” to Impress Mates

Source: National Geographic

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?

Source: Children and 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?

Source: VOX

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

Source: How Stuff 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

Source: Wired

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

Source: Nature

Learn how researchers are using data and systems analysis to attempt to resolve intractable conflicts.

Wildlife thriving around Chernobyl nuclear plant despite radiation

Source: The Guardian

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”

Source: The Guardian

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.