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

Explainers

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

Brain
Why we aren’t really ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’

By RJ MackenzieNovember 1, 2024
Plants
Explainer: How a seed grows into a plant

By Jennifer JunghansOctober 21, 2024
Artificial Intelligence
Explainer: What is generative AI?

By Kathryn HulickOctober 9, 2024
Chemistry
Explainer: How cells use chemistry to make the electricity of life

By Bethany BrookshireOctober 3, 2024
Health & Medicine
Explainer: Anatomy of a heartbeat

By Bethany BrookshireOctober 3, 2024
Humans
Peripheral vision and what we can see in the dark

By Roberta McLainAugust 28, 2024
Space
Explainer: What is the solar cycle?

By Adam MannApril 8, 2024
Humans
Explainer: What is autism?

By Payal DharApril 1, 2024

Earth
Explainer: Sprites, jets, ELVES and other storm-powered lights

By Maria TemmingMarch 20, 2024
Health & Medicine
9 things to know about lead’s health risks — and how to curb them

By Kathiann KowalskiMarch 14, 2024
Humans
Senses help the brain interpret our world — and our own bodies

By Hannah Docter-LoebNovember 15, 2023
Oceans
Explainer: Why are so many hurricanes strengthening really fast?

By Carolyn GramlingNovember 10, 2023