Life as We Know Itch: How our body creates this irritating sensation 
by Garrett Dunlapfigures by Xiaomeng Han What do a homemade sweater, a new laundry detergent, and a mosquito all have in common? All of these things have the potential to cause the uncomfortable, and sometimes maddening, sensation of itch. In fact, itching can be the result of many different things, including allergies, insect bites, illness, medication, and dry skin. But what exactly is an itch, … Continue reading Life as We Know Itch: How our body creates this irritating sensation 
Plasma for Fusion: How magnets are paving the way for clean energy
by Brianna Alicofigures by Aparna Nathan The phrase “energy crisis” likely brings to mind rising gas prices, drying up oil reserves, increasing greenhouse gases, climate change, and the like. Scientists, politicians, and civilians alike are working to combat this crisis by creating plans and developing clean energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, which generate energy with relatively little carbon emission. Currently, wind … Continue reading Plasma for Fusion: How magnets are paving the way for clean energy
Arabia Terra on Mars Once Had Water — But Only Briefly
Temperature studies of rocks on Mars reveal water was briefly present in a part called Arabia Terra. Continue reading Arabia Terra on Mars Once Had Water — But Only Briefly
Microglia: The protectors of the brain
by Muhammet M. Ozturkfigures by Wei Wu For decades, scientists have been intrigued by how the brain controls the body. This curiosity led them to discover neurons, the brain’s messenger cells. Neurons, which receive, transmit, and process information, are arguably the most famous cells in our brain. The attention they get might suggest that the brain is only made up of neurons. However, about half … Continue reading Microglia: The protectors of the brain
Finding Life in Space: Why are we so special?
by Wei Lifigures by Catherine Ding The universe is massive, with an estimated 70 quintillion planets—that is 70 followed by an additional 18 zeros. In the Milky Way alone, where we reside, there are billions of planets. With these huge numbers, Earth seems very insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This raises the question: are we truly alone in this vast space of the … Continue reading Finding Life in Space: Why are we so special?
Grand Evolutionary Transitions: The eruption of multicellularity
by Piyush Nandafigures by Corena Loeb Around 600 million years ago, single-celled life transitioned to multicellular life forms, begetting a paradigm shift in the definition of life on earth. This was an event so remarkable in earth’s timeline that it would set the stage for the evolution of complex organisms, from sponges to the human body we each reside in. These complex life forms eventually … Continue reading Grand Evolutionary Transitions: The eruption of multicellularity
Reversing Climate Change with Geoengineering
by Sanjana Kulkarnifigures by Jovana Andrejevic The average global temperature is increasing faster now than at any time in the last 2 million years. This has fueled record-breaking droughts, heat waves, and wildfires, and has intensified weather patterns, causing more extreme and damaging hurricanes and rainfall. Human activity is driving this change, primarily through the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases, which … Continue reading Reversing Climate Change with Geoengineering
Changing Course: Climate Change Leads Songbirds to Reverse Migration Routes
Songbird migration paths are shifting due to global changes in temperature. Continue reading Changing Course: Climate Change Leads Songbirds to Reverse Migration Routes
Spiders Use Microscopic Hairs on their Feet to Climb Surfaces
Research from Germany suggests that spiders have many small fibers pointing in different directions, which allows them to stick to and move along steep surfaces. Continue reading Spiders Use Microscopic Hairs on their Feet to Climb Surfaces
Embryonic Cells Help Lizards Regenerate Tails
Scientists harness embryonic cells to enhance adult lizard tail regeneration. Continue reading Embryonic Cells Help Lizards Regenerate Tails