Author: isci

While science and mathematics are two distinct areas of study, their applications often collide. In this era of computers and technology, the use of mathematical analysis and simulation to solve scientific problems is becoming increasingly more prevalent. While some scientific problems can be solved analytically using simple equations, others require significantly more complex operations (Wittwer,…

The natural world is an elaborate mixture teeming with a plethora of compounds. On a macroscopic scale, the structural organization of these compounds is ubiquitous; however, to the unaided observer, their role in biological and chemical systems can be easily overlooked. Typically, scientists employ analytic assays to better visualize, quantify, and assess the activity of…

Among scientists worldwide, there is generally one common fault: lack of appreciation for the history of science. While it is common for scientists to believe that examining the past may stunt the progression of the future, this ideal is blatantly incorrect (Creath, 2010). Similar to how geologists use the concept of uniformitarianism to relate the…

By imaging the brains of participants learning to make Stone Age tools, researchers are beginning to unravel the neural connections that may have been responsible for, and formed by, the toolmaking industry of our hominin ancestors (Renfrew et al., 2008; Stout and Khreisheh, 2015; Putt et al., 2017). This research sheds light on our evolutionary past, and helps us to…

Studying a meteor is akin to solving a mystery. The meteor leaves evidence through a crater, which is then investigated by scientists. Often, this evidence is difficult to analyze due to changes made by external forces, but Meteor Crater is one of the best-preserved impact craters on Earth. It is found in Arizona and was…

Today, dinosaurs are alive in the form of birds. This means that similarities in behaviour should not be shocking, even if they pertain to the odd dietary habit of eating rocks! Termed gastroliths, these are rocks that birds eat today and bird-like dinosaurs ate millions of years ago to aid their digestion. As all birds have…

Although most students understand that sleep is vital to good health and maximum productivity, getting the recommended seven hours is just not possible with our heavy workload and questionable time management (Watson et al., 2015). Luckily, there is a science behind tricking our bodies into not perceiving our need to rest. This is most commonly…

You may have heard of infrared (IR) vision, an ability possessed by many snake species, but have you heard of ultraviolet (UV) vision? With minute changes in the visual systems of animals, such abilities are possible. In some cases, these abilities are highly advantageous in the context of the animal’s surroundings. One UV-sensing mammal is…

The myriad of benefits associated with exercise is well known; regular physical activity decreases the risk of chronic conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer and can prolong an individual’s life (Warburton, Nicol, and Bredin, 2006). While exercise remains one of the most highly promoted and revered methods of maintaining a healthy lifestyle,…