Myths and misconceptions about evolution
AdultsEnvironmentHistoryWorld...How does evolution really work? Actually, not how some of our common evolutionary metaphors would have us believe. For instance, it's species, not individual organisms, that adapt to produce evolution, and genes don't "want" to be passed on -- a gene can't want anything at all! Alex Gendler sets the record straight on the finer points of evolution.
How do pain relievers work?
AdultsHealthScienceBiologySome people take aspirin or ibuprofen to treat everyday aches and pains, but how exactly do the different classes of pain relievers work? Learn about the basic physiology of how humans experience pain, and the mechanics of the medicines we've invented to block or circumvent that discomfort.
What are those floaty things in your eye?
AdultsBiologyNeuroscienceHealthSometimes, against a uniform, bright background such as a clear sky or a blank computer screen, you might see things floating across your field of vision. What are these moving objects, and how are you seeing them? Michael Mauser explains the visual phenomenon that is floaters.
What makes tattoos permanent?
AdultsArtGadgetsScience...The earliest recorded tattoo was found on a Peruvian mummy in 6,000 BC. That's some old ink! And considering humans lose roughly 40,000 skin cells per hour, how do these markings last? Claudia Aguirre details the different methods, machines and macrophages (you'll see) that go into making tattoos stand the test of time.
Why Your Brain Is In Your Head
AdultsBiologyHumanNeuroscience...Have you ever wondered why the brain is located where it is?
Scary black seadevil fish caught on video at depth of 1,900 feet
AdultsAnimalsNatureWildlife...Deep-sea anglerfish are strange and elusive creatures that are very rarely observed in their natural habitat. Fewer than half a dozen have ever been captured on film or video by deep diving research vehicles. This little angler, about 9 cm long, is named Melanocetus. It is also known as the Black Seadevil and it lives in the deep dark waters of the Monterey Canyon.
Life by the Numbers
AdultsAnimalsBiologyNature...There are now more than 7 billion human beings on Earth, and that got me wondering: How successful are we compared to other species? I take a look at out how our numbers stack up to some other domains of life. It turns out that biomass, or what things weigh, can be more important than how many of something there are. Find out how our numbers stack up against everything from bugs to bacteria, and get ready for some mind-blowing numbers!
Why Are Some People Left-Handed?
AdultsData ScienceScienceSociety...We've got two perfectly good hands attached to two perfectly good arms, so why do most people prefer to use one over the other for common tasks?
Can You Erase Bad Memories?
AdultsBiologyHumanNeuroscience...What if you could delete specific memories?
Watch The World's Most Polite Birds Wait In Line To Greet A Potential Mate
AdultsAnimalsNatureBiologyInstead of fighting it out with one another for a mate's affection, Blue manakins give each other a fair shot and let the lady decided. When a female manakin is feeling amorous, males will form an orderly little line in front of her, taking turns to introduce themselves and to put their colorful foliage on display.