Science

I’ve always been fascinated by faces — not in a creepy way, but in that small, human way we all notice who’s familiar and who isn’t. A few years ago I met someone at a conference who later told me they could remember the faces of dozens of people they’d only met once, years earlier. I envied that skill and started poking around the science behind it. What I discovered was a surprising spectrum: at one end are people who almost never...

Read more...

Last week I decided to try a simple experiment: one full day entirely without social media. No Instagram scroll, no Twitter/X feed, no TikTok, and no passive Facebook lurking. I was curious about two things that often feel at odds with our modern habits: attention span and creativity. Would a single day off make any noticeable difference? Spoiler: it did — in small, revealing ways that felt both refreshing and a little unsettling.Why I picked...

Read more...

I still remember the smell of my grandmother’s kitchen: lemon oil, baking cinnamon, and a faint trace of old wooden cupboards. That scent can transport me back to a summer afternoon in seconds — a little flicker of memory that feels warm, coherent, and oddly comforting. That feeling is nostalgia, and recent research suggests it's far more than a sentimental mood. It’s a cognitive tool we can use, deliberately, to spark new ideas.What...

Read more...

I often get asked how to talk to children about big topics without tipping them into worry or helplessness. Climate change is one of those conversations that feels important and urgent, yet delicate. As someone who writes about science and everyday curiosities, I’ve found that the right mix of simple explanations, hands-on activities, and honest reassurance helps kids understand what’s happening—and gives them ways to feel capable instead...

Read more...

I’ve always been a little obsessed with small, everyday curiosities — and honey is one of those humble pantry items that quietly holds whole landscapes in a jar. Walk down any supermarket aisle or farmers’ market and you’ll notice: honey isn’t just “sweet.” It can taste floral, vegetal, caramelized, herbal, or even faintly smoky. I wanted to understand why honey varies so dramatically from place to place, and I also wanted to learn...

Read more...

I used to think walking barefoot outside was something kids did until their parents called them in for dinner. Then, over the past few years, I found myself slipping off my shoes on grassy patches, sandy beaches, and even cool city pavements — not just for the pleasure of it, but because I started to notice small, reliable shifts in how I felt. My mood lifted. I felt steadier on uneven ground. The world felt a little more vivid.It turns out I...

Read more...