In 1952, famous science fiction writer Ray Bradbury published a short story titled, “A Sound of Thunder.” Set in the year 2055, time travel has become a real (and profitable) technology, and a group of affluent hunters goes back in time on a guided safari to kill a Tyrannosaurus rex. Although the safari company has […]
The Literal Butterfly Effect Read More »
The chaos of Earth’s climate has led some to doubt the validity of anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change currently affecting the planet. Climate deniers commonly respond to scientific evidence of global warming with statements along the lines of “hasn’t the climate always been changing?” While it is true that Earth’s climate has often fluctuated throughout planetary
Studying the climate is chaotic. Could physics help? Read More »
At first glance, the sounds and sights of honeybees buzzing about may seem chaotic, but there is actually quite a bit of structure to the roles that each bee plays in a hive. Worker bees do most of the grunt work like cleaning the honeycomb cells, feeding other bees, and collecting pollen. Drones are male
Plan bee: How honeybee hives adapt to losing their queen Read More »
Kindly thought of as the big, fluffy sibling of the well-respected honeybee, bumblebees spend most of their time minding their own business as they go about seasonal pollination. But recent findings show that these gentle giants may not be as lackadaisical as their reputation implies — they appear to be playing a very interactive role
Buzzworthy behavior: Bumblebee nibbling promotes pollen production Read More »
In the hit show “Criminal Minds,” Dr. Spencer Reid is known for his high intelligence and ability to see the world in a way that normal people cannot. One of his most iconic moments is in Season 4 Episode 8, where he is able to identify the link between abducted women and their location using
Fibonacci’s formula to life: A blueprint for beauty and nature Read More »
Lawns have long been the sign of a clean and respectable neighborhood, causing U.S. homeowners to maintain weekly or even daily upkeep on 40 million acres of lawn nationwide. The history and environmental impact of a trim yard, though, suggests the grass is not always greener with traditional lawns. British colonizers initiated today’s concept of
The American lawn: Is the grass always greener? Read More »
Crisp apples, plump tomatoes, juicy berries, and citrusy oranges are endless luxuries in the middle of Boston’s cold, dead winter. Despite slush and ice covering grass and sidewalks, grocery shelves are fertile with everyone’s favorite produce. However, the fresh fruits and vegetables that fill the aisles involve a lengthy journey and intense science to get
Fruit that lasts forever! How gene editing may answer the problem of postharvest waste Read More »
After a long day of exploring the lush jungles of Guam, you and your adventure buddies relax in the shade of a native coconut palm tree. Suddenly you hear a slight rustle of leaves in the canopy above. Fearing the worst, your eyes dart upwards in frantic search of the abundant, ill-famed brown tree snake
Space invaders: The carnage of invasive species Read More »
It’s no secret that climate change is responsible for a plethora of environmental issues, and according to recent research, a giant and toxic algal bloom off the west coast of the United States can be added to the long list of climate change–induced disasters. According to a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Climate and
Blooms of doom: How toxic algae is harming marine life on the west coast Read More »