Pigeon Neurons Use Much Less Energy Than Those of Mammals
Weirdly efficient neurons power birds’ dense brains Credit: Education Images/Getty ImagesScientists once thought bigger brains made smarter animals. But birds fly in the face of that logic: with a brain smaller than a walnut, they can develop sophisticated tools and remember where they hid food. Now research published in Current Biology suggests birds can pull
The 60-Second Podcast Takes a Short Break–but Wait, There’s More
So long, stopwatch logo! Credit: Ryan ReidScientific American’s short-form podcast has been going for 16 years, three months and seven days, counting today. But it’s time for us to evolve.Jeffery DelViscio: Hello 60-Second Science fans, this is Jeff DelViscio, the executive producer of the podcast. First, I really just want to thank you all for being loyal listeners–for however
How to Help People with Memory Loss Enjoy the Holidays
As we gather for holidays, asking people with memory loss about past holiday events and traditions affects well-being and feelings of closeness Credit: Hispanolistic/Getty ImagesThe following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research. Many people love the holidays because they are a time to make happy memories
Rusty Batteries Could Greatly Improve Grid Energy Storage
Iron-air batteries have a “reversible rust” cycle that could store and discharge energy for far longer and at less cost than lithium-ion technology Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesA U.S. company is designing a large battery that it says could help decarbonize the nation’s power sector more cheaply than lithium-ion storage systems—and with domestic materials. The concept, known as
The Opioid Epidemic Is Surging among Black People because of Unequal Access to Treatment
In one way or another, Thomas Gooch has spent more than 30 years struggling with illegal drugs. The 52-year-old Nashville, Tenn., native grew up in extreme poverty. He was first incarcerated in 1988 and spent the next 15 years in and out of jail for using and selling narcotics. “Until 2003,” Gooch says. “That was
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