Science Archives

Major Extinction Events & Human-Caused Extinctions

When have major extinction events occurred? What causes mass extinctions? Are there ever human-caused extinctions? A Short History of Nearly Everything is an accessible overview of the natural sciences that discusses major scientific discoveries, mysteries, and controversies. It’s in this context that author Bill Bryson addresses the serious matter of extinction and its causes. Keep reading for an introduction to this sobering reality of our history and probably our future.

The History of Hominids: From Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens

How did human ancestors evolve from being ape-like to being human-like? Have scientists found fossils of a common ancestor of humans and apes? Most scientists believe that the history of hominids includes Homo Erectus (first appearing about two million years ago) and Homo Sapiens (first appearing about 100,000 years ago). Bill Bryson explores this history in A Short History of Nearly Everything. Keep reading for an overview of the history of hominids from Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens.

Precambrian Life: What Geology Tells Us About Early Life Forms

What were the earliest life forms? How do we know? Scientists believe they have pieced together a history of the successive types of life forms that have prevailed on Earth from the earliest bacteria to modern man. The earliest life forms existed in the Precambrian period. Keep reading for a brief overview of Precambrian life.

How Does the Brain Learn Best? The Science of Studying

How does the brain learn best? How does the brain process information? The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need by Jade Bowler explores four ideas that explain how your brain learns best. She uses the acronym “SAAD” to represent these ideas. Keep reading to learn how the brain learns fast and efficiently.

The First Life on Land: Migration From the Shallows

What were the first terrestrial lifeforms? Why did life migrate from water to land? Most scientists believe that the first life on land consisted of plants. Plants were followed by simple animals and, later, more complex life forms. Bill Bryson explores the timeline in his book A Short History of Nearly Everything. Keep reading to learn a bit about these milestones in biological history.

What Was the Cambrian Explosion? A Fossil Record Mystery

What was the Cambrian explosion? How can the sudden appearance of so many new species be explained? The fossil record shows something intriguing: A ton of new species suddenly appeared about 540 million years ago. Author Bill Bryson explores what this might mean. Keep reading for a brief overview of the Cambrian explosion.

How Close Are We to Fusion Power as an Energy Source?

What is nuclear fusion and how does it produce energy? How close are we to fusion power? Scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) recently achieved net positive energy from a fusion reaction. Scientists hope that fusion will be the foundation of cheap, clean, and sustainable energy for the future. Read on to find out how close we are to fusion power, according to NIF scientists.

What Is Self-Talk? Psychologist Explains

What is self-talk? What happens in our brains when we’re engaging in self-talk? Self-talk is thoughts that take the form of silent words you “hear” in your mind. For most people, it’s a mundane occurrence because it happens automatically. Behind the scenes, however, it’s a complex psychological process. Keep reading to learn about the phenomenon of self-talk, according to Ethan Kross.

Bjorn Lomborg’s False Alarm: Book Overview & Takeaways

How worried should we be about climate change? What are the most sensible approaches to tackle the problem, whatever its size? The World Health Organization considers climate change the single largest health threat to humanity. However, Bjorn Lomborg’s book False Alarm argues that, while climate change poses a significant threat, it is not a cataclysmic one. Continue reading for an overview of the book to understand this perspective on such an important matter.

4 Life Lessons From Plants (From Braiding Sweetgrass)

What are some life lessons from plants? What can plants teach us about mutual care? In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer shows us how the relationships between plants help individuals and communities flourish. Plants engage cooperatively, which can inspire us to practice mutual care with other humans as well as non-human beings. Let’s look at the many life lessons plants teach us about care and respect.