Why Having a Short Attention Span Might Be an Advantage

A person using their phone and laptop at the same time because they have a short attention span

Can having a short attention span be a good thing? What advantages might shorter attention spans offer in an information-loaded environment? Some experts say yes—it’s an adaptive response that helps us navigate today’s information load through better task prioritization, faster visual processing, and the ability to focus intensely when necessary. Therefore, we should work with it rather than against it. Continue reading to learn how attention spans have decreased and that might not be a bad thing.

Is Geoengineering a Solution for Climate Change?

A man holding planet Earth in his hands, trying to geoengineer a solution for climate change

Could geoengineering be the solution to climate change? Are the risks worth the potential benefits? The field of geoengineering is getting a second look from some scientists, policymakers, and tech billionaires, who wonder whether it could help fend off climate disaster. Geoengineering for climate change involves manipulating the Earth’s climate system to counteract the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. Below, we’ll discuss what geoengineering is, why scientists have pushed back against it, and why some are now giving it a cautious second look.

Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK: Benefits & Risks

An artistic image depicting a factory on a hill with a splice to show water underground, indicating how carbon capture and storage works

What is carbon capture and storage (CSS)? How could this affect climate change initiatives? Britain is investing $29 billion to capture carbon and store it beneath the Irish and North seas.  The project faces enormous challenges, including high costs, operational risks, and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Keep reading to learn how carbon capture and storage in the UK will put them on track to reach net zero by 2050.

Geoffrey Hinton’s AI Warnings (The “Godfather” of AI)

Geoffrey Hinton, the "Godfather of deep learning" standing at a podium

What are Geoffrey Hinton’s AI concerns? Why is the “Godfather of AI” advocating for regulations? As machines grow smarter, artificial intelligence pioneers like Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton warn they could someday pursue their own goals at our expense. Although we’re reaping transformative benefits across many fields, they fear there’s a thin line between AI innovation and potential catastrophe for humans. Here’s what humans need to look out for and why regulations are so important.

When Will We See the Northern Lights Again? Experts Weigh In

A woman in a coat and hat watching the aurora borealis illustrates the question "When will we see the northern lights again?"

When will we see the northern lights again? Will we get a repeat of the spectacular aurora display we had last year? Solar activity plays a crucial role in creating these magnificent light shows. During periods of heightened solar activity, particularly near solar maximum, the chances of seeing the aurora at lower latitudes increase significantly. Several factors determine when and where these celestial displays might appear. Keep reading to discover how to boost your chances of witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon and learn what scientists predict about future aurora displays.

What Are the Northern Lights, and What Causes Them?

The aurora borealis seen over a lake and snowy trees illustrates what the northern lights are and what causes them

What are the northern lights, and what causes them? Why don’t we see them more often and in more places? The sun’s magnetic field plays a fascinating role in creating these celestial light shows. As our star approaches its solar maximum, it releases powerful bursts of energy and matter that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the stunning auroras we see near the poles. Keep reading to explore how this cosmic dance between the sun and Earth creates one of nature’s most magnificent displays.

Will There Be a Bird Flu Pandemic? What the Experts Say

A black and white image of chickens on a farm as worries of a bird flu pandemic arise

Why are US health officials growing concerned about bird flu? What mutations are scientists finding in recent human cases? Will there be a bird flu pandemic in 2025? Bird flu has spread rapidly through US dairy farms and poultry operations, infecting nearly 1,000 dairy herds and causing mostly mild illness in dozens of exposed workers. While bird flu hasn’t been transmitted between humans yet, health officials are concerned that it could be. Here’s a look at the situation and the studies.

Why the Sixth Mass Extinction Is Different From the Others

A wild orangutan resting on a high branch in a jungle, an animal at risk in the sixth mass extinction

What’s causing the sixth mass extinction of species? How are endangered animals tracked? Can humans do anything to help? Scientists say we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction—but it’s hard to determine when a species is actually gone for good because endangered species are difficult to track. But new technology and techniques can help. Keep reading for a comprehensive look at the current mass extinction.

Why Is TikTok Dangerous? Why You Can’t Trust Its News Feed

A concerned-looking man holding a mobile phone illustrates the question, "Why is TikTok dangerous?"

Why is TikTok dangerous? What’s really happening when millions of people get their news from the platform? How can it shape our understanding of world events without us even realizing it? TikTok’s evolution from an entertainment platform to a primary news source for Gen Z has sparked intense debate among journalists and media experts. The platform’s ability to deliver quick, engaging content comes with serious concerns about misinformation, bias, and potential manipulation. Keep reading to discover why TikTok is dangerous as a news source and what that means for the future of information sharing.

Sensory Pollution Is Fatal to Animals—But We Can Change That

A brightly-lighted city at night, seen from above, illustrates sensory pollution

Why does artificial light cause so many animal deaths? What makes human-generated noise so destructive to wildlife? In An Immense World, Ed Yong explores how sensory pollution devastates animal populations worldwide. From bright city lights confusing sea turtle hatchlings to shipping noise disrupting whale communication, human activities are overwhelming animals’ senses in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Keep reading to discover how we can protect wildlife from sensory pollution and help preserve Earth’s remarkable biodiversity.