Perpetual Learning
Simone Dubois 
Imagine walking down a city street at night, not under the harsh glare of electric lamps, but bathed in the soft, natural glow of plants. This isn’t science fiction anymore; researchers are actively exploring the potential of genetically modified, bioluminescent flora to become our future urban lighting. This innovative approach, often referred to as “living … Read more
Did you know that the concrete and asphalt in our cities absorb and retain more heat than natural landscapes? This phenomenon is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, and it’s making our cities significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas. As someone who studies climate science, I’ve seen firsthand how this impacts communities, especially … Read more
It’s fascinating to think about how life on Earth began. For years, scientists have been piecing together clues, and a recent experiment has taken a significant step forward. Researchers have successfully shown how amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, could have linked up with RNA, a molecule essential for life as we know it. … Read more
Did you know that what you eat could play a significant role in protecting your brain as you age? Recent scientific studies are shedding light on the powerful connection between the Mediterranean diet and brain health, suggesting it may offer a protective shield against cognitive decline and even dementia. For those of us who are … Read more
Did you know that sharks’ teeth are actually changing, and not for the better? Scientists are observing a concerning trend: shark teeth are experiencing degradation. This isn’t just some random event; it’s a direct consequence of something happening in our oceans right now, and it’s linked to increasing ocean acidification. What is Ocean Acidification? When … Read more
Our plates today often look very different from those of our grandparents. Convenience has led to a rise in foods that are easy to grab and eat, but what are we losing in that convenience? New research is shining a light on how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – think sugary cereals, packaged snacks, and ready-made meals … Read more
Why Are Single Gene Edits So Expensive, and When Will They Become Affordable? As someone who has spent years studying complex environmental systems and the push for sustainable solutions, I often think about how we can make groundbreaking scientific advancements accessible to everyone. Gene editing, particularly single gene edits, is one of those incredible areas … Read more
Did you know that the waters we enjoy at the beach could be harboring a growing threat? Recent news has highlighted tragic cases of people falling ill and even dying after exposure to a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus. It’s commonly found in warm coastal waters and can be particularly dangerous if ingested through raw seafood, … Read more
It’s a question that pops up often in ecological discussions: at what point does a species that was introduced to a new environment stop being considered ‘invasive’ and start being seen as ‘native’? It’s a nuanced topic, and the answer isn’t as simple as just giving it a new label after a few centuries. First, … Read more
Did you know that the very building blocks of life might have gotten their start thanks to some straightforward chemistry? A recent study, highlighted by The Washington Post, is diving into this fascinating question, and it’s something that really sparks my scientific curiosity. As someone with a background in atmospheric science and a PhD from … Read more