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

Explainers

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

Physics
Explainer: Radiation and radioactive decay

By Janet Raloff and Trisha MuroJanuary 10, 2023
Physics
Explainer: Radioactive dating helps solve mysteries

By Trisha MuroJanuary 10, 2023
Chemistry
Explainer: What is a hydrogel?

By Katie Grace CarpenterNovember 21, 2022
Physics
Explainer: What are the different states of matter?

By Allison GaspariniOctober 26, 2022
Physics
Cosmic timeline: What’s happened since the Big Bang

By Trisha MuroOctober 20, 2022
Animals
Explainer: What is mpox (formerly monkeypox)?

By Tina Hesman Saey and Janet RaloffSeptember 9, 2022
Physics
Explainer: How the Doppler effect shapes waves in motion

By Trisha MuroAugust 12, 2022
Physics
Explainer: All about orbits

By Trisha MuroMay 3, 2022

Physics
Explainer: The fundamental forces

By Trisha MuroApril 5, 2022
Genetics
Explainer: What is sickle cell disease?

By Erin Garcia de Jesús and Janet RaloffMarch 24, 2022
Health & Medicine
Explainer: The body’s immune system

By Anna NapolitanoMarch 22, 2022
Science & Society
Explainer: What is an endangered species?

By Jaime ChambersMarch 10, 2022