Topic

Science & Nature

A collection of 183 issues

Riding Invisible Waves to the Edge of Space: The Unpowered Glider That Flew Higher Than a Spy Plane

The Perlan II, an unpowered glider, holds the astonishing world record for the highest subsonic flight. It soared over 76,000 feet by 'surfing' rare atmospheric waves, pushing the boundaries of aviation and conducting vital research at the edge of space without burning a single drop of fuel.

Tippi of Africa: The True Story of the Girl Who Grew Up in the Wild

Tippi Degré, daughter of wildlife photographers, spent her first decade in Namibia forming extraordinary bonds with wild animals. Dubbed the 'real-life Mowgli,' her unique childhood, from befriending elephants to learning from Bushmen, challenges our view of the human-animal connection.

The Phantom Pregnancy: Unraveling the Surprising Truth of a Molar Pregnancy

A molar pregnancy is a rare complication where abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus instead of a fetus. It mimics a real pregnancy but carries the risk of a rare cancer, creating a uniquely challenging experience for expectant parents. Awareness and support are crucial.

When Blood Fell From the Sky: Unraveling the Mystery of Kerala's Red Rain

In 2001, Kerala, India, was drenched in mysterious red rain. Initial speculation pointed to a meteor explosion or even alien life. The incredible truth, however, was far more terrestrial: airborne spores from a local green alga, Trentepohlia annulata, colored the downpour.

Mind Blown: Black Holes Aren't Flat Discs, They're Cosmic Spheres

We've all seen the 'bowling ball on a rubber sheet' diagrams, leading many to think black holes are flat circles. But the truth is far more cosmic: black holes are massive, three-dimensional spheres defined by a boundary of no return, the event horizon. The universe is not flat!

Double Trouble: The Astonishing Snake That's Both Venomous and Poisonous

Some snakes, like the Rhabdophis, are uniquely both venomous and poisonous. They inject venom with their fangs but also steal toxins from poisonous toads they eat, storing them in neck glands for defense. Mothers even pass this poison to their young, giving them a head start on survival.

Beyond the Piston: Rediscovering the Ingenious World of External Combustion Engines

We all know internal combustion engines, but their counterpart, External Combustion Engines (ECEs), are a fascinating and distinct category. From classic steam trains to modern solar power, ECEs generate power by heating a fluid from an outside source, offering unique fuel flexibility.

The Hidden Danger in Your Shaker: What a Major Study Found in Plant-Based Protein Powders

You reach for protein powder to boost your health, but is it safe? A shocking study found 77% of plant-based proteins contain high levels of lead, compared to just 28% of whey. Discover why this happens, the risks involved, and how to choose a cleaner, safer supplement for your pantry.

Beyond Boredom: The Science of Intrusive Sleep in the ADHD Brain

Intrusive sleep is a phenomenon common in ADHD where the brain, starved of stimulation during a boring task, abruptly disengages. This isn't laziness; it's a neurological response that causes a sudden, overwhelming wave of drowsiness or actual sleep as the brain's alertness system powers down.

Swallowed Whole: The Chilling, Fully Documented Story of the Man Eaten by a Python

In 2017, the body of Akbar Salubiro was cut from the belly of a 23-foot reticulated python in Indonesia. Disturbing videos of the extraction made his death the world's only fully documented case of a human being eaten by a snake, a chilling reminder of nature's primal power.