Genetic programming: How machine learning is evolving to solve math problems

Culture, Technology / /

In 1859, Charles Darwin published his groundbreaking theory of evolution in “On the Origin of Species,” where he introduced the world to the concept of natural selection. In the struggle for existence and reproduction, the strongest would survive, passing on their advantageous genes to their offspring. Never could Darwin have envisioned that centuries later, such […]

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Live fast, die young: The mysterious life of Australia’s sex-crazed marsupial

Biology, World / /

Guys literally only want one thing. Or at least, the male antechinus, an Australian marsupial, seems to prioritize one thing over everything else: sex. These mouse-like animals live fast and die young, forgoing sleep in order to reproduce during their short fertile window. Scientists are, naturally, fascinated by these pocket-sized marsupials and their exciting, mysterious

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Scientists by day, chefs by night: Cells are being cultured to resemble meat

Biology, Culture / /

Knowing that animal agriculture is responsible for at least 14.5% of all carbon emissions, scientists have been researching alternatives to the traditional meat diet, with the current leading alternative being meat analogs or “fake meats.” The menus of vegan-friendly, trendy restaurants and even your run-of-the-mill spots, like Burger King, have been featuring items such as

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Growing green: Reducing urban agriculture’s carbon footprint

Environment, World / /

Nestled between the brick and concrete buildings of Boston, a flash of green stands out. Joyous voices carry through the urban bustle as a group gathers in a verdant garden, eager to try the first tomatoes of the season. After several months of careful tending, the fruits have finally ripened on their sprawling vines, gleaming

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Talking trees: The story and science behind tree communication

Environment / /

Since ancient times, humans across the globe have consistently incorporated talking trees into their mythos. Commonly depicted as slow-moving and wise, these trees that can talk often serve as the guardians of mystic forests and dark woods. Surprisingly, it seems that these mythological depictions of trees may not be so far from reality. Trees can

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Nature’s light show: Breaking down the 2024 aurora super season

Space, World / /

Auroras — dazzling phenomena that paint the night sky with a myriad of colors — have fascinated humans for thousands of years. Occurring in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, they are known as the aurora borealis and australis, or northern and southern lights, respectively. At the start of 2024, auroras entered a super season,

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The circadian rhythm and Parkinson’s: How major sleep deficits could worsen neurodegeneration

Health / /

Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic (dopamine-producing) neurons, leading to motor symptoms including stiffness, slowness of movements, and involuntary tremors. Parkinson’s can also present nonmotor symptoms such as digestive issues and sleep deficits. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective therapy that can delay or stop

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From urine to phosphorus: A depiction of the first modern elemental discovery

Chemistry, Culture / /

Alchemy, considered the embryonic stage of modern chemistry, has led to the discoveries of many basic elements like carbon and iron. But the discovery of the so-called philosopher’s stone was a central motivation for the alchemical field. The distillation of a common yet surprising bodily fluid, urine, led to its discovery in the 1600s.  Alchemists

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