Science Archives

What Are the Regions of the Brain and Their Functions?

A skeleton showing the inside of a skull and brain.

What are the regions of the brain and their functions? How do your mind and body depend on your brain? The brain has five main regions, each playing a unique role: the limbic system, the basal ganglia, the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), and the temporal lobes. Dr. Daniel G. Amen discusses these five regions of the brain in his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Keep reading to learn about the areas of the brain and what they do.

The Subconscious Mind and Habits: How to Leverage the Link

A man reading a book in front of a bookshelf and sign that says "New Habits"

How often have you tried to break a bad habit? Have you found yourself attempting new behaviors only to revert to old ones? Many authors have tackled this common struggle. They agree that habits are unconscious decisions—that is, they’re decisions you make without actually thinking about them. The only way to change these unconscious decisions is to address them at their source: your subconscious mind. Continue reading to learn about the link between the subconscious mind and habits and how to leverage it to make lasting changes.

CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology Delivers Breakthroughs

How is CRISPR revolutionizing medicine and agriculture? What obstacles and ethical debates stand in the way of its widespread use? CRISPR gene-editing technology is facilitating groundbreaking treatments for genetic diseases and it’s promoting global food security. Continued improvement of CRISPR technology could drive personalized medicine, provide new treatments, and revolutionize agriculture and industrial biotechnology. Here’s a look at the potential uses of CRISPR technology, and the obstacles and implications that come with it.

Public Trust in Science Is Waning—Why This Is Dangerous

A doctor putting a shot in a person's arm.

Why has there been a sudden decrease in confidence in science? How could the distrust of science endanger individuals and the country? The public’s trust in science has dropped sharply over the last few years. This trend has people from all sides of the political spectrum, and in fields ranging from medicine to public policy, concerned about the future of progress in the United States. Here are some possible reasons why trust in science is waning.

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: Book Overview

A woman sitting against a tree reading in a forest.

How do trees cooperate with each other? Are trees sentient? What sustainable forestry practices can help protect forests? In The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, he delves deep into the world of old-growth forests, unveiling secret interactions, intricate networks, and fascinating behaviors among trees. The book emphasizes the importance of conserving these vital ecosystems and seeing them as living entities. Continue reading for an overview of Wohlleben’s book, including key takeaways and actionables.

How Trees Communicate With Chemical Signals, Smells, & Sounds

A tree blowing in the wind in an open field.

Do trees speak? What’s the “wood wide web”? Why do trees produce different smells? According to forester Peter Wohlleben in The Hidden Life of Trees, trees have their own unique form of communication. Trees can warn one another of dangers, ask for help, and may even be able to sense their surroundings through a form of echolocation. Keep reading to learn more about how trees communicate.

Are Trees Sentient? 3 Pieces of Evidence That Show They Are

A wise face carved into a tree in a forest, symbolizing sentient trees.

Are trees sentient? How does their sentience compare to human consciousness? In what ways do trees have personalities? Peter Wohlleben, forester and author of The Hidden Life of Trees, claims that he has evidence that trees are sentient. Wohlleben says trees can learn, they have a sense of time, and they have distinct personalities. Let’s dive further into each piece of evidence.

Why Forests Are Important to the Planet, Humans, & Biodiversity

Why are forests so important to the global ecosystem? What role do forests play in regulating the climate? Why do so many species rely on forests? We all know trees are important, but in his book The Hidden Lives of Trees, Peter Wohlleben explains just how crucial forests are to life on Earth. Trees help water move around the planet, mitigate climate change by storing carbon dioxide, provide habitats for animals and plants, and more. Continue reading to learn why and how forests are important to life on Earth.

Pros and Cons of Quantum Computing: Worth the Risks?

What is a quantum computer? What can quantum computers do that normal computers can’t? Why are quantum computers potentially dangerous? In November 2022, IBM unveiled its 433 qubit powerful Osprey processor, marking a significant step toward revolutionary quantum computing systems. Quantum computing promises to solve problems currently deemed insurmountable by classical computing. But it could also threaten existing encryption systems and exacerbate digital divides. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of quantum computing.

2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) Overview

What are the key takeaways from the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference? How have global stakeholders responded to the outcomes? Is the deal enough to thwart global warming’s threats? The recent UN Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai ended with a historic agreement, for the first time calling on nations to transition away from fossil fuel use. Critics argue the deal doesn’t go far enough, citing the pact’s weak language and support for transitional fuels and carbon capture technologies. Here’s a look at how the 2023 Conference of Parties went down.