A silo of sand could be the key to using renewable energy more efficiently according to an experiment in Finland. The first commercial “sand battery” could store heat for several months before using it to heat water. The project aims to tackle one of the big problems with energy generation methods such as solar and […]
Cilantro is one of the most polarizing herbs the planet. Consider it the Benedict Cumberbatch of taco toppings. But what is it about this little plant that stokes such intense vitriol from some people, while the rest of us can’t get enough? The answer’s in the chemistry folks! [Reactions]
The future of humanity seems insecure. Rapid climate change, political division, our greed and failings make it hard to look at our species with a lot of optimism and so many people think our end is in sight. But humans always thought they lived in the end times. Every generation assumes they’re important enough to […]
Whether they’re belting Beyoncé, head-banging to classic rock, or rattling off curse words at zoo-goers, parrots are constantly astounding us. They are among the only animals that produce human speech, and some parrots do it almost uncannily well. How is this possible? Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright dig into the anatomy that allows parrots to […]
Just when you thought you were forever done with this song! [xmphysics]
COVID isn’t the only virus to cause long-lasting symptoms. Other viruses – including the flu – can have similar enduring effects on our tissues and immune systems. LEARN MORE To learn more about this topic, start your googling with these keywords: – Sequelae: Chronic complications of an acute condition. – RSV: Respiratory Syncytial Virus infects […]
Here is the ultimate guide to feeling less tired according to science! [ASAP Science]
Why does Diet Coke and Mentos make a chemical reaction? Do brains really have chemicals inside them? What do electrolytes even do? In this video from Wired, Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate The Chemist online, answers some of the Internet’s most burning questions about chemistry and more! [Wired]
It may be unscientific personification to think of the Perseverance rover as being lonely on Mars, but now it turns out to have adopted a pet rock. NASA recently discovered the rock has been stuck in Perseverance’s wheel since early February. So far it’s hitched a ride totalling 5.3 miles. It was discovered thanks to […]
How good are you with money? What about reading people’s emotions? How healthy are you, compared to other people you know? Knowing how our skills stack up against others is useful in many ways. But psychological research suggests that we’re not very good at evaluating ourselves accurately. In fact, we frequently overestimate our own abilities. […]