CATEGORIES

Whose Foot?

Everybody is different. So why do we use feet to measure length?

Muse News

Muse News

Trial in Absentia

In the 40th century, the most intellectually advanced species in the galaxy initiates a project to bring back as many extinct species as possible. They have already returned hundreds of species to life after careful evaluation by the Committee for the Revivification of Extinct Species (CaRES). The purpose of the committee is to evaluate whether each species meets just one criterion: “There must be no overwhelming, compelling evidence that the species should not be revived.” Here is an excerpt from the transcript of the meeting where members debate the revivification of an extinct species: humans.

The Rise & Fall of the Terror Birds

AFTER THE DINOSAURS, A NEW PREDATOR REIGNED IN SOUTH AMERICA. FOR A WHILE.

SHOULD SCIENTISTS BRING BACK DINOSAURS?

IN THE JURASSIC PARK MOVIES, scientists bring dinosaurs to life.

ARE WE LIVING IN THE ANTHROPOCENE?

A name can tell you a lot about a person. Take your last name, for example. Does it come from a certain language, a place where your ancestors were born, a traditional family occupation? How about your first name? What does it say about you? If you could change it, would you? What would you change it to, and why?

TAKING A JOURNEY

Through the planet’s history

Farm To Dining Hall Table

At this island school, students have a hands-on approach to eating local.

ELLENA BAUM

FOOD AND FARM EDUCATOR

Can You Stand The Pressure?

Can you stand the pressure?

Turtlecam

Underwater video reveals secret life of sea turtles

A Future In The Making

Three high school researchers are on the cutting edge of science

Printing Big

WHO’S THE BIGGEST MAKER OF THEM ALL?

The Bubbler

Bursting with ideas at the Madison Public Library

Zebra Stripes Stop Flies From Biting

Why do zebras have stripes?

How Everyday Stuff Turns Into Microplastics

Plastic debris takes a complicated—and sometimes weird —journey as it breaks down into pieces too small to see.

Meet The Recycled Orchestra

Knowing what’s recyclable, what’s waste, and how to manage them both takes a team of trained people working together.

Is 3D Printing Is Environmentally Friendly?

Most 3D printers use filament to make objects. Filament is like thick plastic thread. It’s even wrapped around a spool, like cotton thread.

Plastic Pile-Up

What happens when 7 million tons of plastic has nowhere to go?

5 Ways To Reduce Your Fashion Footprint

Five ways to make a difference.

From Trash To Tunes

Meet The Recycled Orchestra

Eyewire

Mapping brain cells is a challenge. So is designing a game that helps you do it.

When Good Science Goes Bad

If you raise your hand in class, will the teacher notice right away? Do you spend most of your class time learning or is too much other stuff going on all around? Does your teacher know your strengths and how they differ from the kid’s next to you? Your answers to these questions depend partly on the number of students in your class.

Flawed Genius

Steve Jobs' Impressive, Messy Career

Art Alert! The Case Of The Masterpiece That Wasn't

Han van Meegeren was a painter with a problem. He tried to sell artwork under his own name, but the critics of the 1920s weren’t keen on it. They were excited by newer, abstract forms of art, like cubism or surrealism. Van Meegeren, on the other hand, painted in a very traditional, realistic style.

Does Your Dog Need A Fitbit?

HOW MANY steps did you take today? If you wear a fitness tracking device such as a Fitbit, you know the answer. Fitness trackers help people set goals for physical activity. Reaching those goals helps them lose weight and stay healthy.

The Wild Science of Water Bears

Huge Discoveries Could Come From Tiny Tardigrades.

Fish in the Desert

Desert living is challenging for any creature, but what if your home was just one small pool of water? That’s the predicament of a fish—yes, a fish—that lives in the Mojave Desert.

Healing Waters

Manufacturers of structured water, also called “living water,” promise their product will recharge and detoxify your body.

Would You Drink Toilet Water?

ASTRONAUTS DRINK their own pee—after it’s been cleaned. So do people in some parts of California and Australia.