How fish fins evolved to become fingers
New research out of the University of Chicago provides insight into one of the most important evolutionary developments for humans: fingers.
STEM
Retinas at risk from laser pointers
Some inexpensive (and no doubt well-used) laser pointers may damage students' retinas if used improperly or if insufficient safety precautions are taken.
Dirty clothes lead to absenteeism (NOT)
There are benefits to wearing clean clothes (reduced risk of skin infections & smelling bad). School attendance isn't a benefit.
Floods in Ellicott City, Baton Rouge, St. Louis
Massive flooding in Louisiana and other US locations isn't "caused" by climate change, but warmer global temps increase the likelihood of a destructive event.
How did primates’ brains get so big?
Primate brains are large, compared to other animals, but even when primates themselves were small, their brains started to get big.
Modeling a food web with math
A significant mathematical model describing the nature of food webs was published a year ago. It could change how ecosystem is taught at all levels in our schools.
School meals linked to higher obesity risk
School meals may be making kids obese, a new study out of Virginia Tech concludes. Just when we thought school food was tasty and good!
Facebook platform lets students set the pace
A partnership between Facebook and a charter school network in Silicon Valley has produced a Web platform that puts students in control.
Meteors in Perseid shower could come early
Astronomers think the number of shooting stars in the Perseid meteor shower Friday could surge even before the normal peak time.
Our brain keeps playing simulations, so we survive
A special area of our brain is constantly running "simulations" about what's happening in the world, like some big gaming computer.