Scientists Say

A weekly word defined, in a sentence and in context. Click here to find the alphabetized list.

  1. Earth

    Scientists Say: Equinox and Solstice

    Equinoxes and solstices mark the maximums, minimums and mediums of hours spent in daylight.

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  2. Math

    Scientists Say: Calculus

    Calculus is math that deals with curves, from their changing slopes to the areas they enclose.

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  3. Computing

    Scientists Say: Code

    Writing code allows people to tell computers and other smart devices what to do.

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  4. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Rubisco

    Rubisco is a key protein in the process of photosynthesis, which feeds plants — and, in turn, us.

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  5. Earth

    Scientists Say: Seismology

    Seismology is the branch of science focused on seismic waves — vibrations that run through or around Earth.

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  6. Materials Science

    Scientists Say: Hydrogel

    Tangled polymer chains help hydrogels hold their shape despite being full of water.

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  7. Animals

    Scientists Say: Metamorphosis

    Animals that go through metamorphosis look very different as adults than they did as kids.

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  8. Physics

    Scientists Say: Fusion

    Nuclear fusion is the physics that powers the sun and could someday provide abundant clean energy on Earth.

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  9. Physics

    Scientists Say: Fission

    Nuclear fission is the process of splitting atoms apart to release huge amounts of energy.

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  10. Computing

    Scientists Say: Artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence is technology smart enough to do tasks that would normally require human brainpower.

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  11. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: Infection

    Infections range from mild illnesses, such as the common cold, to deadly diseases, such as rabies.

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  12. Earth

    Scientists Say: Drought

    A drought is a shortage of rain or snow in a particular area.

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