Science

How do researchers determine how toxic a chemical is? A toxicologist explains alternatives to animal testing
How do researchers determine how toxic a chemical is? A toxicologist explains alternatives to animal testing A vast number of chemicals are registered for production and use around the world. But only a portion have been thoroughly evaluated for their toxicity due to time, cost, ethical concerns and regulatory limitations. To safeguard public health, researchers […]
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How an unexpected observation, a 10th-century recipe and an explorer’s encounter with a cabbage thief upend what we know about collard greens’ journey to the American South
How an unexpected observation, a 10th-century recipe and an explorer’s encounter with a cabbage thief upend what we know about collard greens’ journey to the American South Collard greens − a staple of diets across the African diaspora. Bronwen Powell/Abderrahim Ouarghidi, CC BY For generations, collard greens have formed an important part of African and […]
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During hibernation, these lemurs defy cellular aging
During hibernation, these lemurs defy cellular aging Hibernating lemurs can turn back the clock on cellular aging, researchers report. We’re all familiar with the outward signs of aging. But many age-related changes start within our cells, even our DNA, which can wear and tear over time as we get older. Some creatures have come up […]
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3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools and other stuff they need to colonize the Moon and Mars
3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools and other stuff they need to colonize the Moon and Mars 3D printing could make many of the components for future structures on Mars. 3000ad/iStock via Getty Images Plus Throughout history, when pioneers set out across uncharted territory to settle in distant lands, they carried with […]
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People didn’t kill Ice Age mammoths like in the movies
People didn’t kill Ice Age mammoths like in the movies To kill mammoths in the Ice Age, people used planted pikes, not throwing spears, researchers say. They say the findings might help resolve the debate about Clovis points and reshape how we think about hunting some 13,000 years ago. How did early humans use sharpened […]
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A third of the world’s population lacks internet connectivity − airborne communications stations could change that
A third of the world’s population lacks internet connectivity − airborne communications stations could change that An experimental aircraft like this solar-powered airship could someday play a role in providing internet access to rural areas or disaster zones. Thales Alenia Space via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA About one-third of the global population, around 3 billion […]
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5 lessons from ancient civilizations for keeping homes cool in hot, dry climates
5 lessons from ancient civilizations for keeping homes cool in hot, dry climates Aghazadeh Mansion, a national historic site in Iran, was built with elaborate wind towers and other natural cooling techniques. Amir.salehkhah via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA Modern buildings tend to take electricity and air conditioning for granted. They often have glass facades and windows […]
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2 solar probes are helping researchers understand what phenomenon powers the solar wind
2 solar probes are helping researchers understand what phenomenon powers the solar wind This artist's rendition shows NASA's Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun. Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins APL/NASA via AP Our Sun drives a constant outward flow of plasma, or ionized gas, called the solar wind, which envelops our solar system. Outside of Earth’s protective […]
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