The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning for this summer in The United States. 20% of all states are expected to have record-breaking heatwaves this year, so the NOAA has tried to highlight the increased risk of droughts and wildfires due to the increased heat.1 This dramatic rise in temperatures is...
The thought of a planet-killer-sized asteroid hitting Earth has captured the minds of both scientists and movie makers alike. While Hollywood has often portrayed this event in an overly dramatic fashion, the reality is that space agencies like NASA take the threat very seriously. The Planetary Defense Coordination Office, led by Lindley Johnson, is tasked...
More and more, the world is waking up to the reality that mushrooms can do so much more than add flavor to a dish (as delicious as they are). In recent years, researchers and innovators alike have demonstrated just how versatile mushrooms are – from mushroom-based leather [1] and even a suit made out of...
Everyone has their own idea of their dream home. For some people, it’s all about residing in some beautiful location, whether that means in the heart of a bustling city or somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Others dream about the interior, whether it’s huge or quaint, regal or cozy. Wayne Adams and Catherine King...
The natural world is capable of creating some of the most dazzling, unique creatures. Every creature is unique in its own way. But once in a while, nature produces a sort of genetic crossover episode called a chimera. Chimera kittens are a single cat that is comprised of two or more different genetically distinct cells...
This article was originally published on January 7, 2020, and has since been updated. A great percentage of the lands in northern Africa are afflicted by desertification, a process whereby fertile land becomes a desert as a result of drought, inappropriate agricultural practices or deforestation. There just isn’t enough clean water to reverse this process,...
“I would find myself sitting at my desk, wishing the day was over so I could go home. And I would wish that it was Friday, so I could have the weekend off, and I would wish my next vacation was coming up. And then I realized I was very literally wishing away my life,”...
This article was originally published on January 15th, 2020, and has since been updated. The vast mysteriousness of our solar system has baffled and intrigued scientists for centuries. It has been the subject of many theories, myths, and legends, and has been fodder for thousands of books, comics, television shows and movies. Indeed, its mystery...
Horses were first domesticated 6,000 years ago in the grasslands of Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan [1] and have played a huge role in human history. For countless centuries, horses were the quickest way for humans to get from point A to point B. Today, there are more than 9 million horses in the USA alone....
Nestled off the coast of Tampa Bay, Florida lies Pine Key Island. A once deserted and forgotten island, this new paradise symbolizes entrepreneurship and a collaborative endeavor. What started as a simple joint venture by four friends armed with a dream and $65,000 has become a $14 million success.1 Their story has captured the hearts...
Science has led to incredible realizations about the world around us, including some of the world’s smartest animals. Here are 30 animals known for their incredible intelligence and abilities. 1. Intelligent Animals can Empathize Elephants are among the world’s smartest animals for several reasons. First, they seemingly feel things like empathy, self-awareness, and mourning. Second,...
When you notice a tiny, friendly ladybug sitting on your shoulder – their appearance is thought to herald good fortune. In reality, it might not be a ladybug at all – it could be a tree-dwelling multicolored Asian lady beetle, scientifically known as Harmonia axyridis. The bad news is that these multicolored Asian lady beetles...
