Sturgeons are one of the oldest groups of fishes. Sporting an armor of five rows of bony, modified scales called dermal scutes and a sharklike tail fin, this group of several-hundred-pound beasts has survived for approximately 160 million years[1]. Because their physical appearance has changed very little over time, supported by a slow rate...
Humans aren’t the only animals with complex culture − but researchers point to one feature that makes ours unique
Of the 8.7 million species on Earth[1], why are human beings the only one that paints self-portraits, walks on the Moon and worships gods?
For decades, many scholars have argued that the difference stems from our ability to learn from each other[2]. Through techniques such as teaching and imitation, we can create and transmit complicated...
Social media design is key to protecting kids online
Social media is a complex environment that presents both opportunities and threats for adolescents, with self-expression and emotional support on the one hand and body-shaming, cyberbullying and addictive behaviors on the other. This complexity underscores the challenge to regulating teen social media use, but it also points to another avenue for...
Read more https://theconversation.com/social-media-design-is-key-to-protecting-kids-online-243547
Plastic pyrolysis − chemists explain a technique attempting to tackle plastic waste by bringing the heat
In 1950, global plastic production was about 2 million tons. It’s now about 400 million tons[1] – an increase of nearly 20,000%.
As a material, it has seemingly limitless potential. Plastic is inexpensive to produce while being lightweight and sturdy. Its applications range from food and beverage packing to clothing and health care.
When a...