How can there be ice on the Moon?

It’s a fundamental requirement for life on Earth. But how does water exist on such a forbidding world as the Moon?

Glenn Lightsey, Professor of Space Systems Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Aug. 5, 2024 ~7 min

What is love? A philosopher explains it’s not a choice or a feeling − it’s a practice

What makes a relationship last when feelings fade or circumstances change? Can you force yourself to love someone you hate or don’t care about?

Edith Gwendolyn Nally, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Missouri-Kansas City • conversation
July 29, 2024 ~9 min


How do 9 states get by with no income tax? A tax expert explains the trade-offs they choose

Texas, Florida and 7 other states have no income tax, but they make up for it with other taxes. Sometimes those taxes mean low-income residents pay a larger percentage of their money in taxes.

Caroline Bruckner, Executive in Residence, Department of Accounting and Taxation, American University Kogod School of Business • conversation
July 22, 2024 ~7 min

Could people turn Mars into another Earth? Here’s what it would take to transform its barren landscape into a life-friendly world

Liquid water, breathable air and a sustainable food supply are three of the essentials Mars would need for people to live comfortably there.

Sven Bilén, Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, Penn State • conversation
July 15, 2024 ~9 min

How was popcorn discovered? An archaeologist on its likely appeal for people in the Americas millennia ago

Corn has its roots in Mexico about 9,000 years ago.

Sean Rafferty, Professor of Anthropology, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
July 1, 2024 ~6 min

Why do some planets have moons? A physics expert explains why Earth has only one moon while other planets have hundreds

It’s not a competition, but if it were, Saturn would be winning.

Nicole Granucci, Instructor of Physics, Quinnipiac University • conversation
June 24, 2024 ~7 min

Is Earth really getting too hot for people to survive? A scientist explains extreme heat and the role of climate change

The answer depends in part on where you live. If it’s extremely hot and humid, the health risks are much higher.

Scott Denning, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
June 17, 2024 ~6 min

How do you build tunnels and bridges underwater? A geotechnical engineer explains the construction tricks

Underwater construction is a complex and difficult task, but engineers have developed several ways to build underwater … mostly by not building underwater at all.

Ari Perez, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Quinnipiac University • conversation
June 10, 2024 ~9 min


Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on what life is like on Earth?

It’s hard to look for something you’ve never seen before – and that might not even exist. But you have to start somewhere.

Cole Mathis, Assistant Professor of Complex Adaptive Systems, Arizona State University • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~9 min

Why do people hate people?

It can be easy to mistake feelings like fear and anger as hate. When biases are acted out in harmful ways, however, speaking up can help stop hate from getting worse.

Yolanda Gallardo, Dean of Education, Gonzaga University • conversation
May 13, 2024 ~8 min

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