Why We Explore

Source: NASA

No matter how far humans go, there’s always another frontier beyond the last one. Find out what quests NASA scientists have in store for the future, and why.

13 Scariest Freshwater Animals

Source: National Geographic

Some of these scary animals you’ll know – such as the piranha, the eel, and the crocodile. Read about these and other predators, where they live, and what they feast on.

Can dogs understand what we say?

Source: Animal Planet

Dogs on TV shows and in movies seem to be able to understand their owners’ every word. Many dogs can be trained to respond to commands. Find out what dogs can learn from their owners.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes in Marathon des Sables record bid

Source: BBC

Renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is to complete the “toughest footrace on Earth” – the Marathon des Sables in Morocco.

How your brain sees the world, according to Kepler

Source: The Boston Globe

A new book looks at a pivotal moment in scientific history that changed the way we understood sight and perception.

Chimps Display a Hallmark of Human Behavior: Cooperation

Source: The New York Times

Strong interpersonal connections aren’t only for humans. Learn more about the traits we share with our close genetic cousins, chimpanzees.

‘Wild’ film prompts surge in interest in Pacific Crest Trail

Source: Telegraph

In the film Wild, based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir and starring Reese Witherspoon, a woman rediscovers herself as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone. It has inspired others to attempt the journey.

Overview

Source: Planetary Collective

Every astronaut learns a great deal about the Earth and its place in the cosmos before going into space. But once they see the Earth from space, everything changes. Watch this short film to learn why.

The Animal Self

Source: The New York Times

Like humans, animals have distinct personalities. This article by Charles Siebert details research into patterns of behavior exhibited by individuals in a wide variety of animal species.

Feeling powerless increases the weight of the world . . . literally

Source: ScienceDaily

A sense of powerlessness may make you feel unhappy, but it also has documented physical effects. Here are the results of a study that shows one way a feeling of powerlessness affects your perception of the world in a measurable way.