Stay updated with the latest public health research, commentary, and field notes from our editorial team.
July 28, 2025 · 5 min read
I just spent a week at the beach staring at the ocean and really starting to think: Why is a sip from the ocean a terrible idea, while lake water (if clean) is okay? In this post, we’ll dive (pun intended) into what sets freshwater and saltwater apart, why the Earth has both types, how […]
I just spent a week at the beach staring at the ocean and really starting to think: Why is a sip from the ocean a terrible idea, while lake water (if clean) is okay? In this post, we’ll dive (pun intended) into what sets freshwater and saltwater apart, why the Earth has both types, how […]
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Many people have experienced this strange scenario: you casually mention something in conversation—like a new coffee flavor or a vacation destination—and hours later, an ad for that exact thing appears on your phone. It seems as if your smartphone was listening through its microphone. You’re not alone in thinking this. Nearly half of Americans (48%) […]
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The upcoming Solar Polar-orbit Observatory (SPO) is a groundbreaking mission that aims to provide humanity with an unprecedented view of the Sun’s poles, regions that have remained elusive for decades due to limitations in our current observational capabilities. This mission promises to unlock secrets about the Sun’s magnetic cycles, space weather, and forces shaping the […]
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In recent times, the correlation between air pollution and accelerated aging has become increasingly evident. The implications of this relationship extend beyond environmental concerns, affecting human health at a fundamental biological level. The Cellular Impact of Air Pollution Emerging research indicates that exposure to air pollutants, ranging from wildfire smoke to household chemicals, precipitates cellular […]
Read more →In corners of the internet, a troubling idea has been gaining traction: the “Dead Internet Theory.” It’s a conspiracy theory claiming that the internet, as we know it, is essentially “dead” – that genuine human activity online has been largely supplanted by bots, AI-generated content, and carefully controlled narratives. According to this theory, the lively […]
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One of my favorite “types” of videos has always been powers of ten. Through telescopes, we can see many of the large-scale structures in the universe. Seeing the little guys, though, that’s been challenging. To see atoms clearly, scientists have long relied on huge, expensive transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) that demand high voltages, specialized rooms, […]
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Lot’s of Spooky Science stories to chew on! And what’s in the news Rethinking psychometrics through LLMs: how item semantics shape measurement and prediction in psychological questionnaires Summary: A new study demonstrates that semantic relationships in questionnaire items can significantly influence psychometric outcomes, challenging the traditional assumptions about psychological measurement. By using large language models […]
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Every mountain, river, and forest in Madagascar tells a story written in stone. Yet scientists have long puzzled over one mystery: Why does this island—separated from Africa and India for over 80 million years—have such strikingly different landscapes on its east and west sides? A new study in Science Advances uncovers the answer. Madagascar’s dramatic […]
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Every so often, headlines whisper of labs ready to “clone a human.” The idea sparks equal parts fascination and fear. Could we one day bring back a lost loved one, or replicate the genius of an Einstein? Yet, as evolutionary biologist Francisco J. Ayala reminds us, genomes can be cloned, but individuals cannot. Behind the […]
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As humans extend their reach towards the stars, one planet has consistently captured our imagination: Mars. Known for its iconic red hue, Mars holds untold mysteries beneath its surface and within its atmosphere. Recent discoveries within Mars’ frozen vortex are shedding light on the planet’s history and potential for life. Unlocking Mars’ Polar Vortex The […]
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