Solar Eclipse

An Eclipse is a Scientific Bonanza

On August 21, 2017, North America’s first total solar eclipse in a while will cross the center of the United States from East to West.
Sunrise at Ahu Tongariki in Easter Island, Chile

What Really Happened to Easter Island?

Did Easter Island's inhabitants degrade their ecosystem to the point that the island could no longer support them? Or is there more to the story?
Nuclear power plant

Nuclear Power Without the Meltdowns?

When it comes to nuclear power, one word in particular instills fear: meltdown. But what is a meltdown? Can one be avoided?
Woman thinking

The Science of Thingummyjigs (and Other Words on the Tip of Your Tongue)

What is actually happening when you can't think of the word you mean? It's called Tip of the Tongue syndrome and yes, it's been studied.
NYC Marathon runner

The Quest for A Faster Marathon

How big a difference does air resistance make when running a marathon? Nike tried to find out recently. A look at the science behind the 2-hour marathon.
Chili peppers

The Science of Hot Chili Peppers

Why do spicy foods feel hot? A look at the science behind the world's spiciest hot chili peppers, including the new "Dragon's Breath" variety.
Spam emails

Our Spam Emails, Ourselves

More money, more hair, less belly fat, better health: our spam emails expose our worries and weaknesses.
crab-eating macaque monkey

What Makes a Brain “Speech Ready?”

Can monkeys talk? According to new research, they could, if their brains would let them.
JSTOR Daily Mixtape

A Very JSTOR Daily Mixtape

Academics and musicians have a lot in common. The JSTOR Daily playlist combines songs and scholarship.
A colorful map measures gravity anomalies around the Chicxulub crater

How We Know What Killed the Dinosaurs

How do we know that a meteor caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?