Conspiracy theorists with science knowledge less likely believe Flat Earth
A group of scientists who study science communication at Texas Tech University wanted to understand more about the people who accept the…
Category: Big Questions
Can dead fish still pass on their genes to a new generation?
Food producers and aquarium enthusiasts alike are interested in preserving rare breeds of fish. Fish such as platinum arowana and large…
How do we reduce toxic byproducts of washing lettuce?
Chlorine sanitizers used in the produce industry makes some byproducts in spent wash water that are not super healthy for us. These…
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are way older than penicillin
Remember the classic chases where Wile E. Coyote tries to catch Roadrunner but is often outsmarted? It turns out that bacteria have to…
The ancient Mayan practice of dental modification
Today, dentists attach orthodontic devices to people’s teeth, like braces and crowns, for health reasons. During the early Preclassic…
Could there be ice in caves on Mars?
Based on visual and theoretical evidence, astronomers think that Mars has ice in caves that were carved out by volcanic activity. Spacecraft…
Ancient bacteria leave behind fossils, too!
Scientists used genetic technology to identify the different roles of bacteria present in ancient fossil formations called stromatolites.
Invasive trees are changing the soil in the American Southwest
Ecosystems with diverse species and healthy habitats provide services that keep the system stable and are beneficial to humans. Humans…
Bacteria that live on plant roots are important for farming
Scientists used DNA sequencing to identify what microbes live on or near the root systems of farmed and wild wheat. They found that farmed…
Salt pools can guide our search for life on other planets
Pink, green, and square-shaped microbes can help us understand the limits of life on Earth and guide our search for life outside the planet.