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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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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Every few years, economies rise and fall—but some companies never really die. They shuffle along, unable to pay their debts, feeding on cheap credit instead of fresh profits. Economists have a name for them: zombie firms. And according to a sweeping study by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), these undead businesses are multiplying worldwide. […]
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The discovery of a mass grave in Croatia has brought to light a significant historical narrative about the fate of ancient Roman soldiers. The site, which has been a focus of recent archaeological and scientific inquiry, contains multiple skeletons that offer a glimpse into a turbulent period in Roman history. Let’s delve into what this […]
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How This Week in Science Aligns with the National Science Education Standards If you’ve ever tried to make science come alive for students, you’ve probably faced the same challenge teachers and curriculum designers have wrestled with for decades: how do we move from memorizing facts to truly doing science? That’s exactly what the National Science […]
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Every year, billions of internet messages travel through fiber-optic cables. But in the future, these streams may not just carry data—they could carry entangled photons, linking distant cities with unbreakable quantum security. The catch? Until now, making single photons truly talk to each other was almost impossible. A new study from Japan’s National Institute of […]
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