The Fungus that Hung Us: Did Ergotism Lead to the Salem Witch Trials?
Some believe the Salem Witch Trials were set in motion by a hallucinogenic fungus in the villagers’ rye crop. But most historians beg to differ.
Figuring out the Flounder: A Science with Grace Video
A Sci-Jo original video on the surprising metamorphosis of flounder and other flatfish, and how their distinctive eyes come to be.
Do Americans really have to refrigerate their eggs?
In many countries eggs aren’t refrigerated, but that doesn’t mean Americans should follow suit.
So you want to be a stool donor? – Infographic
While doctors treat most clostridium difficile gut infections with repeat rounds of antibiotics, stubborn cases call for unconventional treatment–fecal matter transplant. OpenBiome of Medford, Mass, is collecting stool donations from prescreened donors and sending them to hospitals across the country.
The Blame Game: Adrenaline Edition
In the wake of the controversy surrounding Richard Sherman’s comments following NFC championship game, the Seattle receiver blamed his action on adrenaline. But can adrenaline make you say things you don’t mean?
Why does salt melt ice? (and why you’ll never ask another chemistry question)
In the midst of one of the snowiest winters in recent memory, the struggle to keep roadways clear has relied heavily on salt. But what exactly happens when NaCl meets H2O?
Can you train a cheetah to be your pet? Bonus: What is the least trainable big cat?
Cheetahs are beautiful, and some people have them as pets. But can you really train your cheetah to be your pet? Yes, but it’s not simple. Also, what’s the LEAST trainable big cat?
How Do Astronomers Find Exoplanets?
Given that the nearest exoplanet is 4.37 light-years, or 26.22 trillion miles, away from Earth, it is no simple task. So how do researchers find and analyze alien worlds?
Do Dolphins Commit Suicide?
This summer, hundreds of dolphins beached themselves along the coast of New England. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has tentatively pegged the cause of this particular dolphin die-off as a viral outbreak.
Can Prosthetics Sense Pain?
Over 1,500 soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan with missing limbs. Many amputees are looking to prosthetic limbs, but will the prosthetic limb be able to feel pain, softness, or coldness like the real thing?