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: 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
Life
Explainer: What is an endangered species?

By Jaime ChambersMarch 10, 2022
Animals
Explainer: Cells and their parts

By Jennifer JunghansMarch 8, 2022
Physics
Explainer: How do mass and weight differ?

By Trisha MuroFebruary 22, 2022
Chemistry
Explainer: What are fats?

By Katie Grace CarpenterFebruary 8, 2022
Environment
Explainer: Gravity and microgravity

By Trisha Muro and Bethany BrookshireFebruary 4, 2022

Health & Medicine
Explainer: How loud is too loud?

By Kendra RedmondJanuary 25, 2022
Physics
Explainer: Telescopes see light — and sometimes ancient history

By Trisha MuroJanuary 13, 2022
Chemistry
Explainer: What is a metal?

By Katie Grace CarpenterJanuary 12, 2022
Animals
Explainer: What is an invasive species?

By Jaime ChambersJanuary 6, 2022