If there was oxygen on a far away planet, how would we know?
Scientists use computer models to simulate what oxygen would look like on far away planets and found a chemical signature that helps us tell…
Category: Big Questions
Do humans need to be altruistic to make it to Mars?
Altruism, in principle, is selfless action for the well-being of others. Altruism may help us achieve our space exploration goals. Space…
Symbiotic fungi can save farm crops during droughts
What should farmers do to deal with disappearing water? Add fungi to the soil! This recent study sheds light on the use of mycorrhizae to…
Can a Chinese medicinal herb Psoralea fructus build healthy bones?
Osteoblasts are cells that are responsible for bone formation. A lack of osteoblasts will cause osteoporosis – a disease that occurs when…
Early Martian life may have used sulfur as an energy source
Using an environment on Earth that simulates early Mars conditions, researchers found an abundance of bacteria that get their energy from…
People with complex-PTSD report less social support than those with PTSD
Poor social support is a risk factor for PTSD, but it is unknown if poor social support is also a risk factor for Complex PTSD. This study…
Deep-sea mining impacts on diverse ocean ecosystems
Sunlight does not reach the deepest parts of the ocean, but life still thrives in the darkness. Below depths of 200 meters, where sunlight…
How biology writes its signature
In recent decades the search for extraterrestrial life has seen major advancements in technology and methodology. The search for…
New treatment for rheumatoid arthritis shows great promise
The immune system is your body’s personal army of soldiers — when it comes across potentially harmful invaders like viruses and…
How would we establish a society on Mars?
Humans are not built for Mars. Or rather, Mars isn't built for us, yet. Understanding the sacrifices such a massive undertaking needs is…