Science Matters-Ecosystems complex, magical webs
We are often reminded of damage we inflict on various ecosystems. Just what are ecosystems?
Science Matters-SCIENCE MATTERS - Science built on observation and experiments
Science is built on experiment and critical observation. Any hypothesis worthy of consideration must allow for, or propose, tests for its validation.However, before investing huge amounts of time and resources on actual, physical experiments, in many inst
Science Matters-Thermodynamics law a window into matter, time
The development of steam engines during the industrial revolution went hand-in-hand with formulation of one of the most powerful laws of physics. The second law of thermodynamics provides insight into everything from the workings of refrigeration systems
Science Matters-Mammals owe origins to reptilian ancestors
Nearly anywhere on Earth you'll find mammals.
Science Matters-Is there anybody out there? We'll almost certainly never know
The possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe has intrigued humans since they first became aware of the vastness of space. Sadly, for science fiction romantics, it is unlikely we will ever have direct evidence we are not alone.
Science Matters-SCIENCE MATTERS - Public must understand nature of energy sources
How energy needs are met in the future will determine the health of our economy and quality of life for generations to come. Understanding the basics can help in understanding issues surrounding energy generation and the consequences of poor choices.There
Science Matters-Scientific terms should be used properly, but oftentimes aren't
Many scientific terms are also used to describe everyday experiences. In doing so the scientific meaning of those words is often lost or distorted.
Science Matters-SCIENCE MATTERS - 'Theory' has specific meaning
It's no wonder the public is confused and often misled about the use of the word "theory" in science. Its meaning to the scientific community is significantly different from its colloquial usage.I recently witnessed this disparity while watching a detecti
Science Matters-Laws can help sort order from chaos
'Laws" have all kinds of implications. They're onerous if they represent seemingly arbitrary restrictions. They're unfair if not equally applied. They're an imposition if enforced by a capricious authority.
Science Matters-SCIENCE MATTERS - Rapid progress hallmark of our ancestors
When did human ancestors begin leaving Africa and why did it take them so long to start?
Science Matters-Road to bipedalism, tool use long, twisty
When did human ancestors begin to use tools? It is important to first understand a pitfall in thinking about how human traits were acquired. The problem arises from statements such as, "Walking upright on two legs (being bipedal) freed up the hands of hom
Science Matters-Lineage shows progression toward humanity
How did the lineage of extinct human ancestors change over the course of millions of years? What changes made our predecessors more humanlike? When did those changes occur and why?
Science Matters-Human origins far from simple
Understanding human origins is difficult for a number of reasons. Foremost, among them being the bewildering array of fossils that have been discovered and to which, it seems, specimens are continually being added.
Science Matters-SCIENCE MATTER - It's difficult to know why Neanderthals disappeared
Who might you meet if you could visit Europe 35,000 years ago?If you ran across people who looked pretty ordinary, you'd have met Cro-Magnon people, or "European Early Modern Humans." However, you might run across folks who are somewhat shorter and stocki
Science Matters-SCIENCE MATTERS - Dream lives on for fusion power
I studied medium energy nuclear physics in graduate school, but I had been tempted to try plasma physics. Why had plasma physics intrigued me 37 years ago? I was excited by the prospect of plasma physics leading to an effectively limitless source of energ
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