All Stories by Maria Temming
- Humans
How to invent a language — like that of Avatar’s Na’vi
Linguists can choose to follow, mix or break the rules of real-world languages to create interesting fictional ones.
- Animals
Rudolph’s red nose could glow through bioluminescence
Simple chemistry could give the reindeer his iconic red snout. But physics would make it look different colors to anyone who spied Rudolph from the ground.
- Animals
Liquid from African tulip trees may protect honeybees from pests
Liquid from the African tulip tree may keep ant invaders out of hives without harming honeybees.
- Plants
Let’s learn about autumn leaves
Here’s why some trees put on a colorful grand finale before losing their leaves for the winter.
- Animals
Ants are better team players than people [COMIC]
For ants, teamwork makes the dream work. For humans, teamwork can be a trip-up.
- Psychology
Listening to slightly different sounds in each ear may boost focus, teen finds
While “binaural beats” may boost attention, his research shows video game music is distracting.
- Chemistry
Let’s learn about surprising uses for human waste
Around the world, scientists are investigating ways to turn poop and pee into fertilizer, fuel and construction materials.
- Artificial Intelligence
AI shouldn’t be trusted with your mental health, teen finds
Her research suggests that ChatGPT and similar AI systems are not suitable replacements for human therapists.
- Space
Let’s learn about spooky ‘dark energy’
No one knows exactly what this stuff is, but it’s shaping our universe on the largest scales.
- Animals
Let’s learn about tardigrades
These tiny animals can survive drying out, freezing, harsh radiation and other hazards.
- Earth
Let’s learn about rivers
Rivers vary a lot in size and terrain, but all share a few basic features.
- Tech
You can ‘grab’ these virtual displays and manipulate them midair
Such interactive floating graphics and virtual objects could be used to make more immersive video games and museum exhibits.
