The Possibilian
Source: The New Yorker
Why does time seem to slow down when we fear for our lives?
Science & Nature
Secret of Photo 51
Source: PBS/NOVA
James Watson and Francis Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize for their discovery of the structure of DNA. One key to this discovery was a photograph taken using a revolutionary technique by the English scientist Rosalind Franklin. Explore this site to learn how Franklin made this stunning photograph and why she didn’t receive the credit she was due during her lifetime.
Why Are People So Afraid of Sharks?
Source: LiveScience
Many people are terrified of sharks even though an actual encounter with one is extremely unlikely. Read about the risks of meeting one of these fearful predators.
What Will Really Happen When San Andreas Unleashes the Big One?
Source: Smithsonian
Blockbuster disaster movies show major destruction of skyscrapers, dams, and bridges, courtesy of special effects studios. Find out what experts predict will actually happen during a major California quake.
Horse Domestication Happened Across Eurasia, Study Shows
Source: History
Humans have used horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture for thousands of years. Experts are still trying to find out when and where this special bond started.
New ‘Intraterrestrial’ Virus Found in Ocean Depths
Source: Discovery
With the help of the robotic submarine Alvin probing the bottom of the ocean floor off the coast of Santa Monica, California, scientists make new discoveries into a virus that causes single-celled sea creatures called archaea to mutate.
Risks and Challenges
Source: Mars One
Can you imagine the phenomenal planning, testing, and effort it would take to establish a human settlement on Mars? Mars One gives a brief idea of the risks and challenges involved. The FAQ page answers questions about the potential psychological and physical effects of the mission on astronauts.
How a bunch of government space geeks at NASA won the internet
Source: Quartz
Read how NASA has successfully built a social media campaign and reignited interest in space programs.
The Body Politic
Source: SEED Magazine
We may be in the habit of thinking of bacteria as bad organisms that cause disease, but there’s another side to our relationship with them. In the human body, bacteria outnumber human cells, and as this article explains, we couldn’t survive without them.
How Landfills Work
Source: How Stuff Works
A landfill isn’t just a dump. It’s carefully designed and managed to keep trash separated from the surrounding environment and to reduce moisture and air that would break down trash. Find out more about these complex structures.