Curiosity-driven research is the wellspring of scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. Over time, different ways of funding this type of research have emerged, shaping how money is allocated today. However, many scientists are unhappy with the current funding systems. They point out
Football, known as soccer in some places, is incredibly popular worldwide. Fans invest a lot of time and money following their teams, hinting at evolutionary influences. Scientists can help understand why humans act this way, but there’s limited research on football fandom from an evolutionary persp
Imagine if we could understand the rules that govern our world? Physics does just that. It helps us make sense of everything around us, from the smartphone in your hand to the car you ride in. You don't need to be a scientist to appreciate these key concepts. Robert Heinlein once said that a well-ro
Chris Viehbacher, the CEO of Biogen, had a message for Governor Maura Healey at a recent event hosted by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. He was worried about the changes happening in Washington and how they might affect his business. Viehbacher pointed out that his company faces lots of
This week, some parents at Elgin Math and Science Academy (EMSA) raised serious concerns about safety after the city moved homeless residents to a hotel right across the street from the school. The city decided to relocate around 40 people from a long-standing homeless camp along the Fox River to th
Ever wondered where the billions in charity money for science research go? A study by data scientists found that a huge chunk of this money, about $30 billion annually, is directed to local institutions. This is like giving candies to the kid next door while the global playground needs a makeover. T
Imagine burying your underwear in the garden to check if the soil is healthy. That's exactly what one bright student from Banning Unified School District did! Caleb Clay, a fifth-grader from Starlight Elementary School, came up with a fun and effective way to test soil health by using underwear. His
Imagine if a computer could help chemists design new molecules, predict their properties, and even plan how to make them in the lab. That's where large language models (LLMs) come into play. These powerful tools are changing the game in chemistry. But what's an LLM? Think of it as a smart assistant
Ever wondered if siblings share similar fingerprints? That's what a recent study explored. Scientists compared thumbprints of 72 sibling pairs and 72 non-sibling pairs from 36 families. Using the Jaccard Similarity Index, they found a surprising 69. 44% similarity in thumbprint patterns among siblin
Recently, a survey was conducted to understand how researchers in psychology and law view open science. This survey aimed to answer four key questions. First, it explored how these researchers define open science. Second, it delved into their perceptions of open science. Third, it investigated how f
