What if your morning cup of joe was responsible for keeping you healthy for longer? This is what one study now suggests, and it’s having people second-guess how much coffee they consume on a regular basis. The new report claims that coffee consumption may be linked to a lower chance of death, compared to non-coffee …
Color Changing Gemstone: Photochromism At Its Finest
You know those Transition eyeglasses that automatically darken in the bright sunlight then return to normal indoors? The process that makes Transition lenses possible is called tenebrescence, otherwise known as reversible photochromism. Tenebrescence is not a man-made invention developed strictly for sunglasses. It occurs naturally. Some minerals, including hackmanite, have the ability to change color …
Marijuana Addiction is Real, and It’s On the Rise
As recreational marijuana becomes legal in a number of states, medical professionals are beginning to wonder what the impact is on our well-being. Now, some are beginning to raise awareness of marijuana addiction – an under-the-radar condition that impacts many people who use the drug. “There should be no controversy about the existence of marijuana …
Hawaii is Banning Sunscreen, But Why?
Coral reefs are in danger for a number of reasons around the globe, one of which happens to be ocean warming. However, humans are contributing to the demise of coral in a different way as well – with their sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen. Now, Hawaii Gov. David Ige is signing the world’s first ban of the …
From Slave to Botanist, Professor, and Inventor: George Washington Carver
Born into slavery in 1864, George Washington Carver used his natural scientific curiosity and the power of education to become one of the leading agricultural scientists of his day. He advocated that southern farmers rotate their crops between cotton, which quickly depletes the soil, and peanuts, which added nitrogen to the soil. His concept of …
No, Really, We’re Alone in the Universe, Says One Study
What if we aren’t alone in the universe? This is a question that has long been asked here on Earth, but a new study suggests that maybe we should be asking the opposite – what if we are alone in the universe? Would it really be all that bad? Researchers from Oxford University’s Future of …
Giant Hogweed: The Invasive Plant that is Causing a Scare
There are several dangerous animals out in the wild, but what about plants? As it turns out, plants can be just as dangerous as some of the other creatures found in Mother Nature, and the Giant Hogweed is proving this very point. According to news reports, the Giant Hogweed is popping up around Virginia, and …
Home Sweet Home: Snails and their Shells
See that small point at the center of the spiral on a snail’s shell? That is the snail’s protoconch…the bud of the mollusk’s lifetime home, its shell. The shell of a snail is more than just a domicile…it is a protective armor that is permanently and physically attached to the snail’s body. Although we like …
What Are You Really Eating At Work?
Most of us look forward to Pizza Friday or Donut Day at work, but what are these foods doing to our overall eating habits? According to a new study, it’s all doing more harm than good. Recently, researchers looked at a group of 5,222 employees across the U.S. to determine just how these eating habits …
Fun Under the Sun: Treating Heat-Related Illnesses
Summer is a time for fun under the sun, but failing to prepare for the weather accordingly can result in a number of health issues. Everything from heat stroke to sunburn is a concern when the weather gets warmer, meaning it’s best to take precautionary measures whenever possible. Let’s take a look at some of …