Paper straws are touted as more environmentally friendly than plastic ones. However, this may not be the case. In a recent study, Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws, including plastic, paper, bamboo, glass, and stainless steel. They found that the majority of the paper straws contained synthetic chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” because...

Many influencers, CEOs, and gurus contribute their success to waking up early. So anyone looking to improve their productivity, physical health, and mental wellbeing tend to hear recommendations to become an early riser. Waking up at 5 a.m. can provide the time and space to do self-care, practice mindfulness, exercise, and get started on work....

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Every year, it attracts millions of tourists to raft, hike, and above all, enjoy the spellbinding views. It also attracts many researchers eager to uncover its rich history and geology. In fact, the Grand Canyon National Park has recorded over 4,3000 archeological...

Burgers are a popular choice at fast food restaurants and barbecues. Because they are high in protein, many people assume they are a healthier dinner choice compared to other fast food items like pizza and fried chicken. As a result, they may consume burgers more often than they should. Yes, burgers are high in protein,...

The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport seems regular in every way, except for two graves beneath runway 10. The airport in Georgia, USA, was built on a former farm. It had once belonged to Catherine and Richard Dotson who were laid to rest on their land. Today, their names are engraved on the tarmac, forever remembered...

Researchers observing western lowland gorillas made an interesting connection. They were taking notes of what the animals were consuming and they realized they were using the same medicinal plants as local traditional healers and herbalists. This example of zoopharmacognosy could be the beginning of seeking cures for human diseases through animal behaviors.  Gorillas Use Traditional...

Gray wolves have not appeared in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan for almost a hundred years. So during a legal hunt, a hunter shot a creature, thinking it was a coyote. But upon further inspection, as well as confirmation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the coyote was actually a gray wolf, and authorities...

Invisibility used to be something people could only dream of. But as it turns out, the secret lay in one of the most popular snacks in America: Doritos. A new study used tartrazine, a yellow-orange food coloring found in Doritos (and many other products), on live mice to make their skin see-through. This may seem...

Many conspiracy theories and urban legends surround the Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil’s Triangle. It is a section of Northern Atlantic Ocean where ships and aircrafts seem to mysteriously disappear, according to reports that began in the mid-1900s. The geographical designation of the triangle varies depending on the author, as does its lore,...

Many people have experienced pareidolia without realizing it. It’s the phenomenon where the brain sees or hears something of significance in a random picture or pattern. A common example is seeing faces in common objects. So if you notice an animal-shaped cloud or religious figures on toast, you are experiencing pareidolia, and scientists are trying...

For centuries, people have been fascinated with psychopaths. True crime and fictional crime play a big role in today’s entertainment, from podcasts to films, from documentaries to novels. Most people have heard of serial killers like Ted Bundy, Charles Manson, and Jack the Ripper, as well as fictional ones like Hannibal Lecter, Norman Bates, and...

Empathy is not reserved for humans. For example, a person can tell if their friend or partner is feeling stressed, and they can change their behavior accordingly. As it turns out, so can dogs. There are animals specially trained to protect the health of humans, such as canines who warn their epileptic owners when they’re...