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 […]
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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In a groundbreaking advancement, the University of Texas at Austin has developed a revolutionary retron-based gene-editing method that dramatically enhances the capabilities of genetic modification. This new technique, pioneered by researchers at Scripps Research, marks a significant leap in the field of genomics by allowing for the correction of multiple genetic mutations simultaneously. Unlike traditional […]
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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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The recent surge in ocean temperatures has left scientists puzzled and concerned. This phenomenon, colloquially dubbed the ‘Mystery Heatwave’ in the North Pacific Ocean, has reached significant new records, yet its precise cause remains elusive. Understanding these unexplained surges is crucial for predicting the impacts of climate change and formulating effective responses. The Phenomenon Unveiled […]
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Recent advances in CRISPR research are opening new doors for precise gene editing and potential therapeutic applications. In a recent study, researchers engineered CRISPR systems that can be activated by specific RNA signals, ensuring that gene-editing activity is confined to target cells. How RNA-Sensing CRISPR Works Traditional CRISPR systems have shown great promise in genome […]
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