Caterpillars have the reputation of being harmless larvae who have yet to become butterflies and moths. But don’t underestimate these partially developed creatures. They come with their own unique biology, including defenses against predators. This includes camouflage, foul-smelling repellents, and venom. However, their arsenal is not reserved for hungry birds, reptiles, amphibians, and larger insects....
In many parts of the world, speaking out against the government isn’t just risky, it can land you behind bars. Around the globe, authoritarian governments and regimes along with strict legal systems criminalize criticism, using laws that punish dissent, insult, or defamation of state leaders. From harsh jail sentences to hefty fines, these 16 countries...
Most of us have looked at a map at some point, but recognizing a country by its outline is a different challenge entirely. Some shapes are instantly recognizable, while others leave even experienced travelers scratching their heads. This geography quiz is designed to test how sharp your geography skills really are. Some are obvious, others...
The sun is very active right now, currently surging toward the peak of Solar Cycle 25. During these cycles, solar storms happen more regularly and with greater force than usual. Newly released data indicate that these storms are puffing up the upper atmosphere of our planet. When this occurs, it creates extra drag on objects...
Most people assume diamond hunting requires industrial machinery, deep shafts, and corporate backing. But tucked away in the rolling hills of Arkansas sits a unique exception. At Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, visitors can walk into a field with nothing but a shovel and walk out with genuine diamonds in their pockets. America’s...
California manages a massive network of canals spanning nearly 4,000 miles in total, supplying water throughout the state. With promising new prospects on the riverbank, these canals could become a source of renewable power for the state. Project Nexus, a pilot initiative funded by California’s government in partnership with Solar AquaGrid, the Turlock Irrigation District,...
In 2014, the story of a castaway fisherman who survived more than a year at sea captivated the world. Jose Alvarenga, a Salvadoran native, washed up on the Pacific atoll after being at sea for 13 months. His tale of survival at sea made him a symbol of human resilience. But unfortunately, Alvarenga’s tale of...
In October 2019, The Ocean Cleanup project made headlines around the world when its prototype vessel started collecting plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This launch followed a year of challenges and constant redesigns. Since then, the organization has grown, and the vessel has undergone several new iterations. Their first new design was called...
When ants cover an animal’s body, it’s usually because the creature is dead. But that’s not always the case when it comes to birds. Some species allow ants to crawl over their wings and feathers in a process called anting. Crows in particular are known for taking part in this trend. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers...
Blue whales are the largest animals on the planet. They are powerful swimmers that migrate long distances to feed and breed, and live in every ocean except the Arctic. On average, they live around 80 to 90 years. They are also one of the loudest animals on Earth. They can communicate through groans, moans, and...
In June, a drone flew over Hawaii and dropped biodegradable pods into the forests. Each pod contained about 1,000 mosquitoes. This may sound like something out of a horror sci-fi movie, but this wasn’t some sort of attack on humans. Firstly, the mosquitoes are male, and therefore do not bite people. Second, they were reared...
NASA’s Perseverance rover has produced its sharpest visual record yet, capturing a wide panoramic view that might remind you of the American Southwest. This landscape, however, sits more than 140 million miles away on Mars and displays something uncommon. Brilliant blue skies that resemble Earth’s atmosphere stretch across the Mar’s horizon. If you were actually...
