You’ve heard of plastics in the ocean. Get ready for metals in the sky.A new study has found widespread metallic particles in the stratosphere, one of the highest layers of the atmosphere, where the ozone layer protects the world from ultraviolet radiation. Researchers say the contaminants are not normally found in such unusual concentrations and likely bled from satellites, rocket components, and other space-faring vehicles as they reentered the atmosphere.The threat posed to the ozone layer ...read more
Sea moss, a type of red algae that is commonly referred to as Irish moss, has recently gained popularity in the health and wellness sphere. Because it is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, sea moss is often lauded for its health benefits, with claims ranging from boosting immunity to improving digestion. However, like any other supplement, it's essential to first sift through the hype about sea moss. So, before you start taking it, you must first consider both its benefits and potenti ...read more
There's a whole world of stunning and strange microorganisms that scientists are just starting to discover. But doing so hasn't been a walk in the microbial park. To identify these microbes and to decipher their secrets, scientists have needed to think outside of the box, searching for microbes in some pretty odd and outlandish places. For Joseph Mougous, a microbiologist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the University of Washington, that means putting people’s mouths to practice. T ...read more
October is a month for giant gourds. For pumpkins, growers are testing the limits on just how giant these gourds can get. Growers everywhere spend their springs and summers prepping to grow a champion pumpkin. Scientific studies have yet to explain the best ways to grow the giant pumpkins. However, to push a pumpkin's limits, growers must consider the seed's genetics, soil health, beneficial insects, fertilizer, and concoctions of beneficial bacteria. So, how might the next record be broken? Wha ...read more
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin safely descended onto the moon in Apollo 11. It was a frightening moment, with alarms firing and gas lines freezing as the astronauts barreled toward another celestial body for the first time in human history.The astronauts landed on Mare Tranquillitatis, a dark bluish plain made of ancient lava, and for the next two hours, they explored the moon's surface, collecting rock samples and bouncing about. It was the first of six more manned journeys to ...read more
Author Vishay SinghPosted on Categories Discover Magazine