Light is, arguably, the reason we exist. Billions of years ago, the first cells utilized light as a source of energy using photosynthesis, thus set the stage for complex multicellular life. Light, the source of all energy we consume, creates vitamin D in our skin and allows our most precious sensory organs, our eyes, to […]
How Life Began to See Read More »
“The greatest happiness is to vanquish your enemies, to chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth, to see those dear to them bathed in tears, to clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters.” This quote, by Genghis Khan, perfectly illustrates one key reason why the mutation in his Y chromosome was
Genghis Khan: Better than other warlords at more than just conquering land Read More »
When translating texts between languages, translators often run into the challenge of balancing the literal and figurative elements of the work. Though denotation is essential for staying true to an original plotline and concept, connotation is extremely significant in conveying nuanced aspects of a story’s deeper meaning to readers. Perfecting connotation is made more difficult
Since the dawn of humankind, people have looked to the stars for explanations of life on Earth, each vastly different culture drawing vastly different stories from the sky. But what if one story about a constellation, the Pleiades, came from the very first human civilization? What if it is the oldest human told myth? The
Star Sisters: Could the Pleiades Constellation Have Inspired the Oldest Myth on Earth? Read More »
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? But what if something so natural as the language you speak affects the way you remember and report events? Simple things, like the verbs you use and the locations of nouns in a sentence, can
Imagine you finish a hard test and decide to take a break, only to discover you have three essays, two assignments, and a test coming up. Instead of giving your mind a breather, you head to the library for yet another study session. This is why many college students, as well as adults, fail to
The trees dance in the morning light, their branches waving in the breeze. The meadows stretch vast, decorated with swaths of verdant reds, blues, and purples. A ribbon of water cuts through the valley, bending towards the horizon. Such images often come to mind when considering the singular beauty of Earth, especially in comparison to
If someone were to ask you the directions to a store, you may be able to explain the directions verbally, point to the general location, or even show them the location on a map. These abilities are largely restricted to humans, but other organisms have developed the ability to communicate in unique ways — notably,
Communicating through (waggle) dance Read More »
Academics mostly keep to themselves. They stay in their offices or labs, and they venture out to classrooms or conferences with (hopefully) interested audiences and other people who understand their passions and frustrations. They spend months or years collecting evidence and formulating theories to be able to share them with their colleagues and advance the