It’s a wonderful world — and universe — out there.

Explainers

Background pieces for a deeper dive into a broad range of pivotal topics

Oceans
Explainer: What are corals?

By Aaron TremperJune 5, 2026
Earth
Clouds come in all shapes and sizes

By Matthew CappucciMay 27, 2026
Plants
Perfect pitch? Scientists lay new grounds for World Cup ‘26

By Laura Allen and Janet RaloffMay 13, 2026
Health & Medicine
Explainer: What are ultraprocessed foods?

By RJ MackenzieApril 15, 2026
Science & Society
Stressed by tech? Here’s how to find help

By Wendy Orlando and Janet RaloffMarch 19, 2026
Chemistry
Explainer: What is chirality?

By Kathryn HulickFebruary 11, 2026
Physics
Energy may seem to disappear, but there’s a law against that

By Tejasri GururajJanuary 23, 2026
Chemistry
Scientists finally know why ice is so slippery

By Elizabeth FernandezJanuary 12, 2026

Health & Medicine
What are vitamins?

By Aaron TremperOctober 24, 2025
Environment
See how aerosols fly through Earth’s skies

By Nikk OgasaSeptember 29, 2025
Physics
How to make a pitched ball curve to your will

By Wendy OrlandoSeptember 18, 2025
Environment
Watch out: Hail can get really big!

By Katherine KorneiSeptember 2, 2025