Articles for category: Blog

A close-up shot of a cute kitten sleeping peacefully on a soft surface.

15 Bizarre Cat Behaviors and What They Actually Mean

Jan Otte

Imagine waking up at 3 a.m. to find your cat sprinting across the living room like a wild cheetah. Or maybe you’ve caught your feline friend kneading your favorite blanket while purring like a tiny engine. To any cat lover, these antics are equal parts hilarious, confusing, and strangely endearing. But what if I told ...

Why We Spell: A Look Into Linguistic Brainpower for the Spelling Bee’s 100th Anniversary

Why We Spell: A Look Into Linguistic Brainpower for the Spelling Bee’s 100th Anniversary

Annette Uy

Have you ever sat in awe, watching a child on stage—sweaty-palmed, eyes blazing, spelling out “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” without missing a beat? There’s something electric about spelling bees, a mix of nerves, pride, and raw brainpower that keeps millions glued to their seats. As the Spelling Bee marks its 100th anniversary, it’s not just about tricky words ...

Idaho’s Potato Museum Is Real — And Weirdly Science-Filled

Idaho’s Potato Museum Is Real — And Weirdly Science-Filled

Annette Uy

Before you even set foot inside Idaho’s Potato Museum, you’re greeted by a towering baked potato outside, complete with an oversized dollop of fake butter. It’s quirky, a little bit kitschy, and—believe it or not—packed with more science than most high school classrooms. This isn’t just a shrine to starch; it’s a place where spuds ...

From Holmes to the Lab: How Sherlock Sparked a Love of Observation and Evidence

From Holmes to the Lab: How Sherlock Sparked a Love of Observation and Evidence

Annette Uy

It’s hard to imagine a world where the art of careful observation didn’t feel thrilling—where paying close attention to the tiniest clue wasn’t the mark of a genius. But then along came Sherlock Holmes. With his deerstalker hat and razor-sharp eyes, Sherlock didn’t just solve crimes; he made observation and evidence downright electrifying. Suddenly, the ...

A dog and cat share a warm hug in a grassy outdoor setting, symbolizing friendship.

Could Smart Collars and Petcams One Day Decode Animal Language?

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine waking up one morning to your dog’s collar lighting up and displaying, “I’m hungry!” Or maybe your cat’s camera notifies you with a soft chime: “Play with me!” It sounds like something pulled straight from a science fiction story, but the idea of decoding animal language with technology is no longer just a fantasy. ...

People planting seedlings in a community garden

How Wangari Maathais Green Belt Movement Helped Combat Deforestation in Africa

Maria Faith Saligumba

Wangari Maathai, a renowned Kenyan environmentalist, played a pivotal role in combating deforestation in Africa through her visionary initiative, the Green Belt Movement. Founded in 1977, this grassroots organization aimed to address environmental degradation and improve the livelihoods of Kenyan communities. Maathai’s efforts not only planted trees but also sowed the seeds of environmental awareness ...

Scientist working in a laboratory with test tubes and glassware

How Arab Scientists Are Leading the Way in Desertification Research and Solutions

Maria Faith Saligumba

Desertification is a pressing environmental issue affecting millions worldwide, characterized by the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. This phenomenon, driven by climate change and human activities, impacts biodiversity, agriculture, and water resources. While desertification is a global problem, regions in the Arab world are at the forefront due to their ...