Features on ZME Science

How coal is formed

It's a recipe that requires lots of dead plants, cooked at high pressure and temperature for millions of years.

If we want companies to stop burning fossil fuel, why are we paying them for it?

Subsidies for fossil fuel are preventing us from truly transitioning towards renewable energy.

The hot difference between lava and magma, according to experts

One's always beneath the surface, the other is steaming outside.

How to make soap at home -- the science and art behind soap making

Soap making is one of those science experiments you can do at home that will almost always work if you know what you're doing.

The different types of plants in the world

So many different kinds!

What are prime numbers and why do they matter -- yes, even in your day-to-day life

Prime numbers are one of the most fascinating mysteries of mathematics, and the more we look at them, the weirder they get.

The Thickest Layer of the Earth: The Mantle

The mantle is a whopping 2,900 km (1,802 miles) thick, and it's by far the thickest layer of the Earth.

The sleepless elite: are you a short sleeper?

Many claim to be a part of the sleepless elite. But short sleepers are few and far between.

What are lenticular galaxies?

Different from the other types of galaxies, lenticular galaxies are a puzzle in terms of how they were formed.

Does the 'Superhero' pose actually make people feel more confident?

A lot of bold claims have been made about the psychological impact of standing tall with a puffed chest and hands plants on the hips.

What is the scientific method: our best tool for unlocking the secrets of the universe

Here's how to do science.

Why do we stretch when we yawn?

We all do it.

What is osmosis: a critical principle in biology

Osmosis -- the natural movement of water into a solution through a semipermeable membrane -- is central to all of biology.

10 geographical facts you're not going to believe

Our world is a strange and awesome place - but some things are just hard to believe!

Myth bashing: Bears are not ferocious flesh-eaters

Their diet is mostly plant-based!

What is Borax and is it safe?

Borax is a versatile mineral that has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to preserving food.

How many birds are there in the world?

There are about six times more wild birds than humans on planet Earth.

This hairy 'Wolverine' frog breaks its own bones to extend cat-like claws

In Cameroon, some frogs are nothing like the benign variety we're used to.

How caterpillars gruesomely transform into butterflies

From humble beginnings as caterpillars, these insects undergo a remarkable metamorphosis that turns them into one of nature's most elegant creatures.

The Stoned Ape Theory: the wild idea that psychedelics shaped the evolution of humans

Although people call it a theory, it's really just a hypothesis. But -- a very alluring one.

What's behind lithium mining? Here's all you need to know

Lithium mining is essential for supplying the world with batteries. But there's a dark side to it.

What is Mitochondrial DNA and Mitochondrial Inheritance

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother, and there's a lot we can learn starting from this basic fact.

WiFi routers can see people through walls. Here's how it works

With the help of AI, the researchers were able to detect the movement of human bodies in a room using Wi-Fi routers -- even through walls.

Hikikomori, the Japanese phenomenon of extreme social isolation is going global

Loneliness is a big issue in Japanese society — and not only there. Especially among its older population, it has become a severe plight, and there are signs that even among the younger population, loneliness is on the rise. Among elderly men who live alone, over 15% regularly have days when they don’t speak to […]

Giant files: Nomura and Lion's mane jellyfish

These are some of the most eerie jellyfish on the planet.

6 unexpected discoveries from the world's deepest well

We're still just scractching the surface of the planet.

Are daddy longlegs spiders? Myths and arachnids meet up

Sure they look similar, but are daddy long legs spiders? Mmmm no.

Yes, a gun shooting blanks can still kill you -- and action movies are surprisingly dangerous

Blanks or not, guns should never be toyed with.

Why getting a tattoo hurts -- the science behind inking

Humans have tattooed themselves since times immemorial to celebrate gods, show social standing, for medicinal purposes or just to look good. And since the dawn of this controversial form of art, people have endured excruciating pain to adorn their body with ink; but why does tattooing hurt so much?

What is conflict theory? Looking at Marx’s main concepts

The fact that Marx was able to propose a theory that can still fit so well in today's modern world is remarkable.

What are ecosystems and why they're important, according to experts

They provide us with many important services.

Venom versus poison: what is the difference?

Knowing the difference between the two may be a matter of life and death!

Why a baby shark is called a pup and a baby platypus is called a puggle -- and other unusual baby animal names

If this doesn't make you go 'aww' then I don't know what will.

The weirdest, surreal, and most charming animals

You're not going to believe some of these are real.

How and why animals hibernate

Animals that hibernate undergo extreme drops in their body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism.

What do pet turtles (and wild ones) eat? The definitive guide

They are among the oldest reptiles in the world and have a varied, species-dependent diet.

9 of the world's most beautiful and unique bookshops to thrill your eyes and your mind

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!

Absolute location: how the equator, meridians, and our system of positioning work

Describing where you are on a sphere can be a bit weird.

The eye of the Sahara -- how such a bizarre formation came to be

This has got to be one of the strangest places on Earth- - but you couldn't make much of it if you were just walking by.

How it rains on different planets: what the science says

It rains water on Earth, but on Titan, it rains with methane. Find out how it rains on other planets.

How many countries are there really in the world?

Counting the number of countries in the world can be surprisingly complicated.

6 Reasons Why Your Eye is Twitching

Never has something so benign been so annoying.

What was Albert Einstein's IQ?

Einstein never took an IQ test but some academics have estimated his score based on historical records.

Jacob's Well -- one of the most dangerous diving spots in the world

A natural wonder where many Texas come to literally chill during the scorching summer heat. It's also a dangerous diving spot.

How a compass works: your trusty magnetic guide

The magnetic compass is one of the most important instruments for navigation.

What is Gondwana: the ancient supercontinent that changed Earth

This is the story of the last in a breed of geological titans, a supercontinent we named Gondwana.

How old is the oldest tree?

The oldest tree is between 5,000 and 80,000 years ols, depending on what you consider a 'tree'.

22 Interesting Science Facts that Will Blow Your Mind

These fun science facts will keep you scrolling for more.

The largest stars in the Universe: a story of immense proportions

Here's some of the largest, plumpest stars out there.

This is what 109,000 horsepower looks like -- meet the biggest and most powerful engine in the world

This jaw dropper is the Wärtsilä RT-flex96C, the world’s largest and most powerful diesel engine in the world today.

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