STEM

The bunya pine produces huge and often very heavy cones. Its large seeds are both edible and tasty. The tree has a strange appearance and some unusual features.

Rapamycin increases lifespan in mice, apparently by inhibiting a protein called mTOR. It may do the same in dogs and possibly in humans. It's currently being tested in pet dogs.

There are two types spiders in California whose bite you really want to avoid: widows and recluses.

With billions of galaxies in the universe that may have the potential for Earth-like planets in their solar systems, the chance of intelligent life elsewhere must exist. But there are reasons why we may never find it.

Inky cap mushrooms become a black, inky liquid in order to disperse their spores. Some contain coprine, which increases the unpleasant effects of alcohol intake.

A comprehensive beginner's guide for hunting, selling, and conserving American Wild Ginseng.

There are supposedly dozens if not hundreds of poisonous herbs that grow around the world. Doctors and pharmaceutical companies warn us about these herbs..yet some of these herbs are used in our meds.

The human skeleton has vital functions. It provides support and protection, allows us to move, makes blood cells, and stores fatty acids and minerals.

Some people believe that NDE is proof of an afterlife. However, science provides alternate, and more plausible, explanations.

The Spix's macaw is endemic to Brazil but has been declared extinct in the wild. It still exists in captivity. Captive birds may be released into the wild, but it's unknown whether this will restore the population.

What role does water play in life and what would happen if we were to lose it or it didn't exist? There are already parts of the world where we can see how life would change, if there were no water. This article explores it further.

Mucus has vital functions, such as trapping germs in the airways, protecting the stomach lining from an acid attack, and lubricating the passage of materials through the digestive tract. Excess mucus can cause health problems, however. Mucus in the nose is often referred to as snot.

Svalbard reindeer live on an archipelago near mainland Norway. They are the smallest subspecies of reindeer. Research indicates that they are shrinking in size.

The practice of cloud seeding (weather manipulation) for rain has spread throughout the world during the 50 years since its methods were first discovered. What does it look like now as an industry?

Fishing cats are wild animals that feed primarily on fish and are at ease in water. Unfortunately, their population is in trouble due to habitat destruction.

The hedge bindweed or morning glory twines around other plants and interferes with their growth. Bindweed produces large and beautiful flowers in summer.

A mycorrhiza is a beneficial association between a fungus and plant roots. Mycorrhizal fungi often form a communication network between trees. Some produce truffles.

Cinnabar is a beautiful but toxic red mineral made of mercury (ll) sulfide. It’s used as a source of mercury and to make an artist's pigment called vermilion.

The mucus that covers fish has several functions, including protection from multiple dangers and serving as food for young fish. The substance may also be useful for us.

Chloroform can act an anesthetic, but it’s toxic and causes serious health problems. There are ways to limit our exposure to the chloroform in the environment.

Honey bees are very smart despite having tiny brains. They can learn; they have good memories, and they can communicate using a unique symbolic language.

Pygmy seahorses are tiny animals that are often less than an inch in length. Some have amazing features that disguise them and protect them from discovery.

Daffodils are beautiful spring flowers that have a wide variety of colours and shapes. Yellow daffodils are often used by cancer societies as a symbol of hope.

Our skin is an impressive organ that has many functions. For example, it reduces water loss, fights infections, helps regulate body temperature, and makes vitamin D.

The pancreas makes a digestive enzyme called trypsin, which digests protein in the small intestine. Trypsin is normally released in an inactive form but sometimes becomes active within the pancreas. This activation may cause pancreatitis.

Pyrosomes are strange creatures that swim in the ocean and are bioluminescent. They are undergoing a puzzling population increase off the west coast of North America.

The first of four basic guides to the night sky, and what can be seen with the naked eye or binoculars. This page identifies the many kinds of objects you can see when you look up at the night sky

Oregon grape is an attractive plant with edible berries. The plant contains berberine, which may have important health benefits.

Narwhals are strange and fascinating Arctic whales. The males—and sometimes the females—have a very long tooth that grows through their lip, forming a tusk.

Some scientists are trying to bring extinct animals back to life through a process called cloning. The idea is exciting but also controversial.

Figuring out how the moon was created is one of the deepest mysteries of archeological astronomy. We do have ideas though...

For eons agriculturalists have been fighting what they call "bacterial speck" on tomatoes and other crop plants, without anyone realizing that the same bacteria is at the heart of rain and snow.

Most everyone has heard of the Five Second Rule, which says that a food is safe to eat after it's been dropped on the floor as long as you pick it up within 5 seconds. However, is this really true? What you are about to find out may shock you.

Bees play a very important role in pollinating flowers, but the insects are disappearing. Pesticides may be at least partly responsible for this disappearance.

Serendipity is a happy and unexpected event that seems to occur by chance. It's often called a “lucky accident”. Serendipitous discoveries are important in science.

To get started with MySQL installation, you need to download the MySQL installer and then configure the MySQL Server. This hub will help you with the process and see you through the finishing touches.

The deadly nightshade plant, or belladonna, is extremely poisonous. It contains atropine, which is potentially dangerous but has important medical uses.

The tongue is a unique part of the body, and it is a muscle that never tires. The future may see the tongue becoming a biometric authentication as each person’s tongue is totally unique. The way the taste buds work is explained. Potential problems reflected by the tongue is explained.

The Himalayan blackberry is a beautiful plant in spring and summer. It produces delicious blackberries, but it's an invasive species and grows aggressively.

Science has proven that redheads are physically unique among all other people. Find out why, historically, some people thought they were evil, while others thought they held magical powers.

Bleach has potent antimicrobial properties and is also able to remove stains from fabrics. It has many uses, but it's potentially dangerous.

Bowhead whales live in the Arctic, break through ice to breathe, and sing intriguing and beautiful songs. They have a large head with a huge, bow-shaped mouth.

Killer whales, also known as orcas, are part of the dolphin family and can live anywhere saltwater is present.

Earwax is made by the lining of the ear canal and has important functions. An adequate amount of wax is necessary, but too much can lead to impaction and pain.

The Sunshine State has all sorts of over-sized bugs and creep-crawlies. This article looks at the biggest spiders in Florida.

Lichens are interesting organisms that are important in their environment and useful for humans. Some produce chemicals that are potentially dangerous for us, however.

Although human blood is usually red it may have a different color, which indicates the presence of a health problem. Animals have a wide variety of blood colors.

Hydrochloric acid is made in the stomach and is a helpful chemical. However, too much or too little acid or acid in the wrong place can cause problems.

Dandelions have culinary benefits and also produce a latex that can be used to make rubber. This is important, since the supply of natural rubber is decreasing.

Parasitic plants obtain their food or nutrients from another plant. The relationship may last for a long time, but sometimes the parasite kills its host.

This article will briefly discuss the uses, duration of action, side effects, adverse effects, contraindications, and more of the drugs acepromazine, ketamine, and propofol in veterinary anesthesia. Tips for achieving a better anesthetic experience when using these drugs are also discussed.

Cockroaches. They may be icky but they've got a lot of tricks up their hard little sleeves and you might be shocked to know what they're capable of and where they came from. Turn your repulsion to fascination right here with one click. I dare you.

Adrenaline or epinephrine is a hormone made by the adrenal gland. It plays an important role in the fight or flight response and in treating anaphylaxis.

Unripe lychees and ackee fruits contain toxins. Both fruits should be eaten only when ripe. In addition, it's very important that ripe ackee is prepared properly.

Gorillas known as gentle giants are the largest primates and are human's third-closest relatives. They share many of our traits including the use of emotion and tools.

Many people struggle to tell these two reptiles apart, but it isn't that difficult when you know what to look for. What is the difference between alligators and crocodiles? Well, there are essentially 8 main ways to tell them apart...

Astronauts living on the International Space Station help with the study of human survival and endurance in space. The challenges they encounter are unique due to the lack of gravity that we take for granted on Earth.

Irises are beautiful flowers that have a wide variety of colours. Some are used to make orris root, which has a lovely scent but can cause an allergic response.

Antibiotic resistance is becoming a very serious problem. Phage therapy—treatment with viruses that attack bacteria—may be the solution.

Foxgloves are beautiful but poisonous flowers in the wild and in the garden. They contain digitalis, which is a useful heart medication but can also be dangerous.

Broca's area, Wernicke's area, and the circle of Willis are important parts of the brain. They are named after the famous scientists who discovered them.

Immunology is the complex study of the immune system and its associated functions. Immunity is how the body attempts to prevent disease. This article will briefly discuss the types of immunity, vaccines, problems with the immune system, and more.

In 2017, we saw three disastrous hurricanes; Harvey, Irma, and Maria. How might Climate Change Cause Hurricanes to Become More Common? Read more to find out

Fibronectin attaches cells to the extracellular matrix and controls their behavior. It also helps to stop bleeding and is used in a fetal fibronectin test.

A look into space travel for the proliferation of the human race.

The Tasmanian devil is an endangered animal whose population is decreasing. The main reason for the decrease is devil facial tumor disease. Immunotherapy may one day be used to treat the condition.

The dragon blood tree of Socotra Island has an unusual appearance. It secretes a red resin known as dragon's blood when its bark is injured. The resin is used in many ways. The island is home to other fascinating and often unique organisms besides the tree.

The large or Malayan flying fox is one of the world's largest bats and has a wingspan of up to six feet. Its population is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

The rainbow eucalyptus is an unusual tree with a beautiful, multicoloured trunk. The trunk's colours change as the tree sheds strips of bark, creating living art.

Elizabeth Kolbert's "The Sixth Extinction" won the 2015 Pulitzer for non-fiction, deservedly, for its blend of places, people, creatures and science. Get the gist in this lavishly illustrated Hub.

In winter, the Narcisse Snake Dens contain the world's largest concentration of red-sided garter snakes. The snakes are non-venomous and are sometimes kept as pets.

The common raven is an intelligent and interesting bird that plays an important role in folklore. The bird is found in many countries and habitats.

The catnip herb is a type of catmint. It has culinary uses and is also used in traditional medicine. Some cats become very excited when they smell the plant.

Sardines and herring are nutritious foods. The behaviour of the living fish is interesting to study, however. They live in groups and communicate with their companions.

What different species of animals can interbreed and how is it possible? From mules to ligers learn all about hybrids in this comprehensive article.

The monkey puzzle tree is a very strange and interesting plant. It's native to South America but grows in parks and gardens in other areas as an introduced plant.

For some duckweed is a menace, for others it's a Godsend. Here in Brazil, we have built duckweed ponds and are encouraging it to grow to use as an animal feed . This is just one of its many uses.

Most plants in the same family have similar characteristics. These similar characteristics can mostly be seen in their flowers.

Some sharks produce beautiful patterns of light in a process called biofluorescence. The light emission may have important functions.

The Surinam toad has a strange, flattened body. During reproduction, the female’s skin absorbs the fertilized eggs and the young toads develop under her skin.

Capnography is the measurement and evaluation of the levels of CO2 in a patient’s exhaled breath, or the end-title CO2 (ETCO2). This is an important component of anesthesia because it helps the anesthetist evaluate the patient’s respiratory rate and the quality of the respirations.

A look at the diversity of Arizona's Coconino National Forest and some of the wildlife that makes its home there, in the northern part of the state, including the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff

The world’s largest herd of camels is not where you’d expect to find it.

Bacteria have some amazing abilities. They can live in extreme habitats, produce light, communicate with each other, and act as predators and magnets.

The wood frog survives freezing. A study of its adaptations for survival may be helpful in understanding human health problems and in the use of organs for transplants.

Saliva is made by salivary glands and has important functions. The glands may sometimes develop stones. In Sjogren's syndrome, insufficient saliva is made.

Coral bleaching is an event in which corals lose their pigment and main source of food. It often causes corals to die. Oxybenzone in sunscreens may contribute to coral bleaching.

Blood clotting or coagulation is a complex process that helps us survive when we're injured. Fibrin threads trap blood cells and stop blood loss.

Exciting disciplines that combine biology and math include biostatistics, epidemiology, bioinformatics, mathematical biology, and population ecology. The disciplines offer interesting careers.

See pictures to help you identify the male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak, plus learn facts about its migration and behavior.

Octopuses have fascinating abilities. Some have fins that help them move. Others demonstrate intelligence. The genome of one species is very unusual.

Many crocuses bloom in the early spring and are a lovely sight. One type makes saffron. The toxic autumn crocus makes colchicine, which can act as a medicine.

Some animals absorb chloroplasts or algal cells, which make food inside the animal's body. At least one kind of animal can make electricity from solar energy.

The giant hogweed causes burns and blisters. Grapefruit juice interferes with many medicines. The chemicals that cause these effects are called furanocoumarins.

Wolbachia is a bacterium that infects mosquitoes. It prevents viral replication in its host and may protect us from dengue, Zika virus disease, and other illnesses.

Glaucoma is a vision problem caused by damage to the optic nerve. The pressure in the eyeball is often increased, but the disease is not fully understood. Recent research may change this situation.

Sickle cell disease is painful for sufferers and can sometimes be dangerous. Genome editing may one day correct the mutation that causes the disorder.

Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium that can have big effects on humans. It's a common cause of foodborne illness and may cause multiple sclerosis.

A two-faced animal is one individual. The condition is known as disprosopus or craniofacial duplication. Cats with two faces are called Janus cats. Frank and Louie was a famous example of a Janus cat.

The uses of math for the layperson are essentially endless. No matter whether you are a struggling student, a homeowner, or someone simply trying to lose weight, math is the universal language that has an something to offer everyone.