Articles for category: Blog

Immortal Jellyfish

Why the Immortal Jellyfish May Never Die (and What That Means for Aging)

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine a creature that can rewind its own biological clock, escaping death in a way that seems more science fiction than reality. This is not the premise of a fantasy novel, but the awe-inspiring truth behind the so-called “immortal jellyfish,” Turritopsis dohrnii. While most of life on Earth is bound to the relentless march of ...

Why Naming a Species Isn’t Just Scientific—It’s Political

Why Naming a Species Isn’t Just Scientific—It’s Political

Annette Uy

Imagine you’re the first person to discover a vibrant frog deep in the Amazon. You get to name it, right? But what if that frog lives on land claimed by two countries, or is sacred to an Indigenous community? Suddenly, naming isn’t just about science—it’s tangled in history, power, and politics. Naming a species is ...

Scientists creating genetically modified organisms.

8 Synthetic Biology Innovations Inspired by Nature

Synthetic biology is an innovative field that bridges the gap between biology and engineering, enabling scientists to design and construct new biological entities. Inspired by nature’s mechanisms, scientists are leveraging these insights to create solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. In this article, we explore eight groundbreaking synthetic biology innovations inspired ...

fossil

10 Sites Around the World Known for Incredible Fossil Discoveries

The United States is home to numerous sites where ancient life is beautifully preserved. These locations offer a glimpse into Earth’s distant past, showcasing fossils of plants and animals that once thrived. Here’s a friendly guide to ten remarkable fossil destinations across the country. 1. Petrified Forest National Park In Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park, ...

Bee pollinating a flower.

The Science of Pollination: How Wildlife Sustains Plant Life

Jan Otte

 Pollination is a cornerstone of life on Earth, enabling the reproduction of countless plant species and sustaining ecosystems worldwide. This natural process, involving the transfer of pollen from one flower to another, is essential for the growth of seeds and fruits. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of pollination, exploring its mechanisms, ...

The Black Seminoles: A History of Escape, Alliance, and Erasure

The Black Seminoles: A History of Escape, Alliance, and Erasure

Jan Otte

Imagine a people who defied the odds, blending cultures, surviving against overwhelming forces, and shaping the very land beneath their feet. The story of the Black Seminoles is one of breathtaking escape, unlikely alliances, and heartbreaking erasure—a saga that echoes through the swamps of Florida, the arid plains of Texas, and even the wild frontiers ...

The Karankawa: The Cannibal Warriors of the Texas Coast (and the Myths That Followed)

The Karankawa: The Cannibal Warriors of the Texas Coast (and the Myths That Followed)

Annette Uy

The sun rises over the Gulf Coast, glinting off shimmering waters and marshy flats—land once fiercely guarded by a people who have haunted the imagination of Texans for centuries. The Karankawa, mysterious and misunderstood, have been called “cannibal warriors,” inspiring both terror and fascination since the first European ships landed on their shores. But who ...

Capuchin Monkey enjoys a massage

9 Animals That Use Tools Like Humans Do

Tool use by animals was once thought to be a unique trait of humans, but research has uncovered various animal species exhibiting this fascinating behavior. Using tools can range from simple to complex and serves essential purposes, from food acquisition to protection. This article explores ten animal species known for their ability to use tools, ...

Project Stargate: The U.S. Military’s Psychic Spy Program

Project Stargate: The U.S. Military’s Psychic Spy Program

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where secrets could be plucked from behind enemy lines using nothing but the power of the human mind. It sounds like the stuff of wild science fiction, yet, for more than two decades, the U.S. government poured millions into exploring just that. Project Stargate wasn’t just a quirky experiment—it was a bold, ...