The Tree That Absorbs The Most Sound

Trees are an important part of our environment. They come in various shapes and sizes, providing shade, oxygen, flowers, and fruits. But, did you know that trees can also absorb noise!? Scientists have recently conducted studies to find the best tree for absorbing noise -- and the winner is larch, a type of conifer. Conifers are trees with needle-shaped evergreen leaves and cones and are better at absorbing noise than broadleaved trees. They typically don’t lose their leaves or change colors with the seasons. However, larch is a deciduous conifer, which means that it sheds its leaves in the...

Robert Langer

Pioneer in the field of Biomaterials and one of twelve Institute Professors at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Dr. Robert Langer runs a lab of over 150 researchers -- considered the largest biomedical engineering center in the world. Dr. Langer's life is an inspiration that even if one takes time finding their passion and there are setbacks, it is important never to give up.

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The Amazing Peacock Spiders

When spiders come to mind, you probably picture creepy crawlers like black widows and haunted houses strewn with filmy cobwebs. However, the spider world is far more diverse, and perhaps far cuter, than you might think. Peacock spiders, known for their elaborate mating dances and fantastically-colored abdomens, are one such species. Roughly the size of a fingernail, peacock spiders are strikingly adorable. Joseph Schubert, an entomologist with the Museums Victoria in Australia, has described seven new species of spiders in detail, some of which had been discovered by others. This brings the...

A Crazy Hair-Freezing Contest

In a time of social distancing, the world may be difficult and strange, but that didn’t stop a crazy Canadian contest from bringing smiles around the globe. Northern Canada held a hilarious contest for people to try funky styles by freezing their hair in bizarre ways! The Takhini Hot Springs continued its annual hair-freezing contest in Yukon, a natural scenic area in Canada. The contest awards winners CAD$2,000 and there are five categories including Best Man, Best Woman, Best Group, Nongshim's People's Choice, and Tim Horton's Most Creative. The contest is held between December and March,...

A Demand For Furry Friends

With the shelter-in-place order in many states, residents are finding ways to feel less lonely and isolated. One of these is adopting or fostering animals! In New York and other disease hotspots across the country, people are adopting furry friends in need of a new home. Los Angeles pet shelters have seen a 70% increase in the number of people willing to adopt a pet! Animal rescue centers are happy to see the animals getting new and better places to live, and centers such as Muddy Paws Rescue and the Best Friends Animal Society are reporting a shortage of pets. Experts say that this interest...

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