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

Explainers

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

Environment
Explainer: All crude oil is not alike

By Janet RaloffAugust 30, 2013
Tech
Explainer: What is fracking?

By Erica GiesAugust 21, 2013
Animals
Explainer: Animals’ role in human disease

By Amanda Leigh MascarelliAugust 15, 2013
Health & Medicine
Explainer: The teenage body clock

By Susan GaidosAugust 6, 2013
Health & Medicine
Explainer: What should I know about HIV and AIDS?

By Bryn NelsonJuly 25, 2013
Life
Explainer: What is a stem cell?

By Alison Pearce StevensJune 27, 2013
Brain
Explainer: Our bodies’ internal clocks

By Amanda Leigh MascarelliJune 14, 2013
Climate
Explainer: Why a tornado forms

By Andrew BridgesMay 21, 2013

Animals
Explainer: People can sicken animals

By Amanda Leigh MascarelliApril 17, 2013
Science & Society
Explainer: What is a patent?

By Janet RaloffMarch 20, 2013
Climate
Explainer: El Niño and La Niña

By Stephen OrnesFebruary 13, 2013
Chemistry
Explainer: Ocean acidification

By Stephen OrnesDecember 5, 2012