Tag: science

In February 2015, a picture of a dress sparked an intense debate that lit up the internet. Was it blue and black? Or white and gold? No one could agree. Lines were drawn, sides were taken.

When you think about the most precious liquids on Earth, you might conjure up images of petroleum, fine wines, or perhaps rare perfumes. But there's one creature out there whose unassuming blue blood is worth its weight in gold, and it's been saving human lives for decades without many of us realizing it.

Along America's northern frontier sprawls an aquatic kingdom spanning 94,600 square miles - the largest surface freshwater system on Earth. Encompassing Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario, this watery realm contains over 117 trillion gallons supplying 40 million people while supporting economies from Canada to Minnesota to New York.

That morning cup of coffee jumpstarting your workday also traces back to compounds plants employ in their own daily battles - as stealth pesticides. The caffeine enriching popular beverages actually helps vegetation fend off hungry insects and destructive infestations.

At first glance, lemons and limes appear quite similar - two bright green citrus fruits packing a tart, zesty bite. Their flavors infuse countless refreshing foods and drinks from sorbets to cocktails. Yet subtle differences set them deliciously apart beyond simply swirling yellow and green.

In a future not so far off, your smartphone, computer, or front door may feature advanced biometric security to confirm your identity before granting access. But rather than pressing a finger or peering into a retinal scanner, authenticating yourself could one day be as easy as sticking out your tongue!