Science & Health: Space, Medicine, Climate Change And Humans
The home of space, archaeology, medicine, physics, climate change and everything else that impacts the planet, our health and the world of science.
-
1 in 8 Sharks Are Endangered, Which Is Almost More Terrifying Than the Thought of Being Attacked
If you’re heading to the beach this summer, the thought of sharks might cross your mind. I don’t mean wondering whether a shark will take you for dinner (that’s very, very unlikely) but rather, how these remarkable creatures are faring in the marine ecosystem. I recently led the first complete assessment of all species of…
-
A New Approach Finds Materials That Can Turn Waste Heat Into Electricity
The need to transition to clean energy is apparent, urgent and inescapable. We must limit Earth’s rising temperature to within 1.5 C to avoid the worst effects of climate change — an especially daunting challenge in the face of the steadily increasing global demand for energy. Part of the answer is using energy more efficiently.…
-
NASA Releases an Audio Clip of What Jupiter’s Icy Moon Ganymede Sounds Like
Imagining Ganymede, Jupiter’s icy moon and the largest moon in our Solar System, can be quite the challenge. (I’m still at, “Whoa, that’s a big moon.”) Understanding it is a whole other story, and scientists are still working on that. Whether you’re seeking to learn more about the gigantic moon or unravel its scientific mysteries,…
-
What’s in a Name? Why Are So Many Species Named After History’s Monsters?
“What’s in a name?”, asked Juliet of Romeo. “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But, as with the Montagues and Capulets, names mean a lot, and can cause a great deal of heartache. My colleagues and I are taxonomists, which means we name living things. While we’ve…