How does the brain remember what it learns? What happens when you think? Is your mind the same as your brain? As modern science learns more about the wonders of the brain, it also learns that it is farther than ever from learning how the brain works. Some...
Continue ReadingA spider’s venom paralyzes its victim, keeping the victim fresh, yet immobile. Spider venom does this by slowing or stopping the work of a chemical called glutamate, which controls muscle movement in insects. Glutamate is also an important messenger...
Continue ReadingDo you think that people are generally out to benefit themselves at your expense? Or are you someone who usually makes sure that you get what you feel is your share, even if it’s at someone else’s expense? Research shows that our mental attitu...
Continue ReadingWhen they flower, some plants actually generate their own heat. The voodoo lily can raise its temperature by 25 degrees. As it does so, it releases a scent that attracts the beetles that pollinate it. When the voodoo lily generates heat, it burns starch i...
Continue ReadingOne would not think that a brightly colored, relatively slow butterfly has much of a chance against a bird moving in for lunch. But you would be surprised. Scientists were. Some butterflies are protected by distinctive, bright markings that indicate they ...
Continue ReadingThe painted turtle is found farther north than any other turtle in North America. During their first year of life, painted turtles survive temperatures as cold as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. After mid-June, painted turtles begin to lay their eggs. Each nest ho...
Continue ReadingThe White-fronted bee-eater is an East African bird that lives in clans of up to fourteen members. White-fronted bee-eaters have several problems to deal with. Since they nest on the cliffs overlooking riverbanks, youngsters need a great deal of attention...
Continue ReadingToday, people regularly travel a thousand miles in modern airliners. A thousand miles is a long day’s drive, but it can be done. We would never think of walking or riding a horse that far. It was out of this questionable sense of superiority that cr...
Continue ReadingThe human brain is like a network in which each brain cell is connected to thousands of other brain cells. Scientists have long suspected that this unique design helps give the human brain its intellectual power. However, the brain is so complex that our ...
Continue ReadingScientists who are working on newer and better materials out of which to make things are concentrating their attention on ceramics. Ceramics do not break or wear as easily as other materials, including metals. High temperatures don’t cause them to w...
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