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

Explainers

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

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
Physics
How polarized and UV-blocking sunglasses protect our eyes

By Tejasri GururajAugust 5, 2025
Physics
Much of the sun’s light is green. Why does it look yellow?

By Larissa G. CapellaMay 5, 2025