Is or was there life on Mars? That profound question is so complex that it will not be fully answered by the two NASA rovers now exploring it[1].
But because of the literal groundwork the rovers are performing, scientists are finally investigating,
Salty foods are making people sick − in part by poisoning their microbiomes
People have been using salt since the dawn of civilization[1] to process, preserve and enhance foods. In ancient Rome[2], salt was so central to commerce that soldiers were paid their “salarium,” or salaries, in salt, for instance.
Salt’s value was in
Are private conversations truly private? A cybersecurity expert explains how end-to-end encryption protects you
Imagine opening your front door wide and inviting the world to listen in on your most private conversations. Unthinkable, right? Yet, in the digital realm, people inadvertently leave doors ajar, potentially allowing hackers, tech companies, service providers
Why do trees need sunlight? An environmental scientist explains photosynthesis
Curious Kids[1] is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [2]. Why do trees need sunlight? – Tillman, age 9, Asheville, North Carolina Trees need sunlight
April’s eclipse will mean interruptions in solar power generation, which could strain electrical grids
During the most recent total solar eclipse visible in the U.S., on Aug. 21, 2017, the skies darkened as the Moon crossed in front of the Sun. It blocked out all sunlight – except for that from a golden ring visible around the Moon’s shape, called
Immune cells can adapt to invading pathogens, deciding whether to fight now or prepare for the next battle
How does your immune system decide between fighting invading pathogens now or preparing to fight them in the future? Turns out, it can change its mind[1].
Every person has 10 million to 100 million unique T cells[2] that have a critical job in the immune
Rare access to hammerhead shark embryos reveals secrets of its unique head development
Scientists very rarely get access to most sharks, the development of their young or the nursery grounds where they grow. So seeing a hammerhead shark[1] (Sphyrna tiburo) embryo, halfway through its five-month development, is very unusual.
Access to growing