January 31, 2025
When a fire burns in an urban area, it unleashes a slurry of chemicals. Scientists are trying to untangle the chemistry at play. Plus, early analysis of asteroid samples from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission shows the residue of an icy brine and a soup of amino acids. And, on the heels of some big quantum computing advances last year, what’s next in 2025?
Your Snapshots From The Solar Eclipse
The “mental snapshots” readers shared from the April 8 solar eclipse capture the joy, wonder, and surreality of the day.
12:12
Progress Toward A Clean Energy Transition
Global temperature increases are slowing, electric vehicle sales are growing, and renewable energy is now cheaper than some fossil fuels.
12:12
Why Is Solving The Plastic Problem So Hard?
Plastics are everywhere, in packaging, clothing, and even our bodies. Could they be made less integral to manufacturing and more recyclable?
11:22
Why Avian Flu In Cattle And Humans Has Scientists Concerned
In a recent outbreak of avian flu, the virus has jumped from birds to cows, and to one dairy worker. A disease ecologist provides context.
6:11
Fighting Banana Blight In A North Carolina Greenhouse
America’s most-consumed fruit is at risk from a fungal disease. Researchers in North Carolina are on a mission to save Cavendish bananas.
12:12
Do Birds Sing In Their Dreams?
Birds move their vocal organs while they sleep, mimicking how they sing. Scientists have translated those movements into synthetic birdsong.
8:37
Assessing The Global Mental Health Toll Of Climate Change
An explosion of research is painting a clearer picture of how climate change is affecting mental health across the globe.
8:27
Citizen Scientists Will Capture DNA From 800 Lakes In One Day
The project aims to find species that have gone unnoticed by sampling the waters of hundreds of lakes worldwide for environmental DNA.
16:35
What Worsening Floods Mean For Superfund Sites
Superfund sites contain extreme pollution. Flooding—made worse by climate change—could carry their toxic contaminants into surrounding areas.
This Documentary Explores The Loneliness Of A Mars Mission
In a new documentary, NASA psychologists try to find solutions for the mental health challenges of a three-year trip to Mars.
Hackea tu cerebro: una aventura de escape y rompecabezas para niños
Desbloquea el poder del cerebro de un niño con este recurso gratis en línea de una aventura de escape, rompecabezas, y experimentos.
Cephalopod Week Is Back This Summer With Trivia Nights!
Join us in NYC and Atlanta for a cephalo-bration of our favorite underwater invertebrates—plus, win some great trivia prizes!
A Robot’s Story: Teaching Clipbot About The Human Brain
Embark on a journey with a young scientist and their curious robot as they explore the brain through exciting challenges and puzzles.
Discover How Your Brain Builds Muscle Memory
Investigate the brain’s ability to coordinate movement, develop motor skills, and create muscle memories.
Train Your Brain To Manage Stress
Discover brain-based approaches to develop resilience, manage stress, and cultivate a positive mindset.
Boost Memory And Learning With The Science Of Sleep
Discover how getting enough quality sleep is essential for transforming new knowledge into lasting memories.
Think Like A Squirrel: Nature’s Spatial Memory Expert
Discover how observing animals’ remarkable memory abilities can teach you about spatial memory and the brain’s incredible adaptability.
Hack Your Brain To Increase Focus And Attention
Explore mindfulness techniques that will sharpen your focus, improve your attention span, and enhance your ability to concentrate.
Rewards And Neurotransmitters: How Games Can Affect Your Brain
Discover the ways reward systems like games, puzzles, and escape rooms can encourage positive or negative behaviors.
La historia de un robot: enseñando a Clipbot sobre el cerebro humano
Embárcate en un viaje interactivo con un joven científico y su curioso robot mientras exploran el cerebro a través de emocionantes desafíos y rompecabezas.