World Mosquito Day: How do mosquitoes track down our blood?
Why do these blood-sucking insects lose their appetite after a squirt of this spray?
Category: Science
Heroes of Science: Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
The woman who changed our understanding of the Sun Cecilia Payne was born in England to highly motivated and successful parents. Her father was a fellow of Oxford University, and her mother was a...
Heatwaves explained: The causes and effects of hot weather
Although, according to Met Office meteorologist John Hammond, there’s no official definition of a heatwave, these hot-weather phenomena take their toll not only on a population’s health, but also business and infrastructure – such...
Cognitive bias: 20 reasons why you can’t trust your brain
Our decisions are not always our own thanks to different types of cognitive bias buried in our brains
How does popping candy work?
Discover the science behind this sweet’s sizzling sensation (Image credit: Future PLC) Popping candy explodes on the tip of your tongue, a sensation either loved or loathed by those with a sweet tooth. The...
How to get a good night’s sleep
Understanding your biological clock is the key to a healthy night’s sleep Image source: Pexels Your body is driven by an internal circadian master clock known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is set on...
Why does popcorn pop?
The explosive science that turns tough kernels into a tasty cinema treat Image source: Pixabay 1. Critical temperature Temperature is key; only 30 per cent of kernels pop when heated to 170°C, compared to...
What are E numbers?
Image source: Pixabay There are thousands of additives used in food, ranging from coloured spices to acid preservatives. With some being much more harmful than others, how are you supposed to differentiate between them?...
What is bismuth?
Its low melting point allows easy crystal formation – and can make spoons melt in hot tea (Image source: Pixabay) We know about bismuth’s unusual beauty because it also melts unusually easily. This metal...
