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Hoverboards are now real -- and the science behind them is dope

Hoverboards like the ones in Back to the Future II now exist for real. Sort of.

What is a Faraday cage and how does it work?

It prevents the entry or escape of electromagnetic fields

Why do stars twinkle, or do they twinkle at all? For astronomers, this is important

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Why did plague doctors wear that weird beaked costume?

The sinister uniform represents a fascinating trip into history, during a time when humans were still struggling to understand infectious diseases.

What is sleep paralysis: the unsettling phenomenon at the boundary of wakefulness

We undergo sleep paralysis every night and don't notice it -- unless we're awake when it happens.

These poignant cartoons sum up exactly how we feel about COP26

It's frustration, frustration, frustration

Hallucinogens' long trip from Anesthetic to Party Drugs to Antidepressants

Hallucinogens, and ketamine in particular, have made a resurgence in recent years as therapeutic treatments.

We are one step closer to forecasting how volcanoes will behave during eruptions

We carried out a study that could help us better prepare for volcanic eruptions.

Marie Antoinette Syndrome -- or why some people's hair can turn white overnight

Yes, it's very rare, but it does seem to happen.

What's in a futuristic house? 3D printing, automation, among many others

Among others, future houses could enable us to live on the sea and save us from the dangers of climate change.

You really shouldn't get an eye tattoo. Here's why

It's extremely dangerous, often leads to complications, and it's not even a true tattoo.

A different way of looking at the sky -- Brazilian ethnoastronomy and its unique constellations

We know constellations from Greek mythology, but other cultures had their own with their own myths.

The secret Soviet program to introduce bacteriophage treatments

For decades, most of the world ignored bacteriophage treatments. But the Soviets didn't.

The "superstar effect": how the best chess players affect those around them -- and why it matters

This could be surprisingly useful for employers.

Spine-chilling Spinosaurus -- the largest meat-eating dinosaur

We can't be sure of its exact size, but we know it was terribly big.

Pill for your thoughts: what are nootropics?

A class of drugs that many pin their hopes on, but is still poorly understood.

Demystifying nootropics - Is cognitive enhancement even a thing?

Whether you’re a college student hoping to improve your grades, a professional wanting to achieve more at work, or an older adult hoping to stave off dementia, the idea of popping a magic pill that boosts your brainpower can be tempting. So it’s no surprise that the use of nootropics or smart drugs is on […]

What happens when you take 550 doses of LSD? Well...

There's a recent resurgence of interest for psychedelic drugs, and extreme cases can be very valuable for researchers.

What makes a good hypothesis?

Formulating a good hypothesis is the backbone of the scientific method.

Are male and female brains really different?

The field is rife with 'neurosexism'.

Retro-futurism and why it matters: a foray into alternative futures seen from the past

Wait, are we already living in a retro-futuristic world?

Naked mole-rats: the creatures that defy biology

Don't let their comical appearance fool you. These are one of the most capable and resilient creatures in the world.

The hexagon shape and why it shows up so much in nature

The hexagon is surprisingly present in many parts of nature.

How to tell if eggs are bad -- according to science

You don't need to throw all your eggs away.

The Yerkes–Dodson law, or why you mess up tasks when your crush is watching you

All it takes is that little bit of extra pressure.

What is a Dyson sphere and could we just build one?

For now at least, Dyson spheres are reserved for civilizations more advanced than us.

Believe it or not, this is not a wasp. Neither of these are

These are not your average insects.

Sugarcane, slaves, empire-toppling -- the story of rum

This spirit had a very busy history.

Neutron Stars: one of the most extreme objects we know

A foray into the world of neutron stars and their weird physics.

There's a disease that makes you hallucinate little people -- and it's as bizarre as it sounds

This is one weird disease, and it has killed people before.

This ivermectin bullshit has got to stop

Not taking a vaccine, but taking unproven horse dewormer is not doing anyone any favors.

How many moons does Jupiter have? A LOT!

The gas giant has a large following worthy of its gargantuan mass.

What's the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath

One is born… the other is made.

How scientists predict climate scenarios -- enter the world of climate models

Climate models evolved over the years and have always been accurate.

6 of the most bizarre cults you haven't heard about

Not the kill you or doomsday kind of cults, but weird nonetheless.

That time I shipped myself as a package -- or why you shouldn't travel in a box

Believe it or not, quite a few people have shipped themselves through the mail.

From animal intestines to fighting HIV: the important history of the humble condom

The condom is more important and storied than most of us realize.

Satellite images show the massive extent of August's wildfires

Fires are ravaging many parts of the world.

Who were the Inca, South America's largest ancient empire?

One of the most unique among all ancient empires.

Why do beans make us gassy?

An unfortunate side-effect of this tasty legume.

The Olympian period -- the effect of menstruation on female athletes performance

How athletic performance changes with the menstrual cycle.

Strongest glass in the world can scratch diamonds

AM-III also works as a semiconductor, allowing it to transfer electrical current.

That gloomy feeling about the environment has a name: eco-anxiety

It's normal to sometimes feel anxious about our planet's future. But you shouldn't let it overwhelm you.

The stories of Antarctic stations: from science to babies, crime, and beer culture

There's more to Antarctica than ice and penguins. *This article has been edited, see bottom*

Why do dogs wag their tails? Your pet is trying to communicate

Most people think dogs wag their tails when they're happy. But that's not entirely true at all.

What is carbon neutrality and how can it be achieved?

It won’t be easy but we have to do it for the future of the planet.

Should vaccinated people wear masks indoors? Here's what the experts say

The Delta variant has changed the equation, and experts suggest we err on the side of caution.

A revolution against cancer is unfolding -- and we're just getting started

Can controlling cancer finally be on the menu?

The best countries to survive the apocalypse

Let’s hope the scenario stays hypothetical.

These are the cheapest electric vehicles in the US today

They are incredible efficient and their costs are constantly going down

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