World

Quantifying common sense: New research suggests it’s not so common

Common sense, or the practical knowledge shared by the majority of the population regarding everyday matters, is ambiguous: It is difficult to know exactly why something is common sense even though it is intuitively clear. Many often assume that something clear to one person is also clear to another, but this may not be the

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Uncovering the ocean’s depths: Scientists discover record-breaking cold-water reef in the Atlantic Ocean

Marine scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have discovered the largest known deep-sea coral reef in the world. This cold-water reef located off the Atlantic coast of the United States spans from Florida to South Carolina. This totals to a length of around 310 miles and is equivalent to three times the size

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Opinion: Weight loss drugs highlight the flaws of the US healthcare system

In recent years, the production of weight loss drugs has exploded across the United States. Though these drugs have promising potential in combating the obesity epidemic in the United States, I worry these drugs will widen healthcare inequities for the very patients who need access to weight management care the most.  In clinical studies, injection-based

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Using your shoes to step over your roommate’s line                   

It is something you don’t think about until you see someone else do the opposite. Cultural influences play a large role in what seems normal, impacting even small decisions like what to do with one’s shoes. For those who lived their entire lives taking their shoes off before going inside their house, it may seem

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The Ikigai of the cell: Unveiling the mitochondrial theory of aging

Imagine the sun-kissed shores of Okinawa, where residents embrace the Ikigai philosophy — a lifelong pursuit of purpose intertwined with passion, skill, and societal contribution. This idyllic island serves as a testament to the potential for extended, vibrant lives. Now, let’s embark on a journey, into the microscopic realm of cells, where the mitochondrial theory

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The end of the eclipse

For centuries, the rare cosmic occurrences known as eclipses have both inspired and terrified onlookers. Signs of both spiritual and scientific marvels, solar eclipses have often coincided with major historical events, sometimes even rewriting their outcomes. According to ancient records, for example, a great shadow descended over a battle in 585 BCE between the Lydians

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

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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Growing green: Reducing urban agriculture’s carbon footprint

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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