From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- Oceans
Shading corals during midday heat can limit bleaching
Shading coral reefs during the sunniest part of the day may help corals survive marine heat waves.
- Tech
Bits of trees can make and store energy for us to use
This cellulose and lignin, two major building blocks of trees, could lead to greener electronics.
- Tech
Bionic plants and electric algae may usher in a greener future
Some can aid the climate by removing pollutants. Others would just avoid dirtying the environment in the first place.
- Climate
Some tree leaves are finding it too hot for photosynthesis
Earth’s ongoing fever threatens to push entire forests toward this heat limit — and possible death.
- Plants
Scientists Say: Fertilize
This word describes both a stage of sexual reproduction and the agricultural practice of adding nutrients to soil.
- Plants
Young corn leaves can ‘smell’ danger
As they mature, these leaves lose their ability to detect threatening scents.
- Brain
Scientists Say: Deep brain stimulation
Through wires implanted in a person’s brain, this medical treatment can help treat various conditions.
- Animals
Invertebrates are pretty clever, but are they conscious?
Scientists are designing experiments to test whether these animals have self-aware experiences as we do.
- Humans
Senses help the brain interpret our world — and our own bodies
Most people are familiar with sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch –– but there are others. Learn about them here.
- Brain
Let’s learn about mind reading
In the future, more advanced, less bulky mind-reading equipment could raise serious privacy concerns.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Vertebrate
Animals with spines, or vertebrates, come in all shapes and sizes.
- Brain
‘Lucid’ dreamers could solve mysteries about sleeping minds
People who know they’re asleep while dreaming could help study how sleeping minds create elaborate alternate realities.
