Matt Davis
Matt Davis writes stories about science, technology, bizarre anecdotes from history, esoteric odds and ends, bleak but nevertheless fascinating environmental issues, and whatever else grabs his easily grabbed attention.
6 free cognitive tests to help you know your own mind
A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?
What is the Japanese blood type theory of personality?
In some Asian countries, what's in your blood may influence your social status.
Graphene typically costs $200,000 per ton. Now, scientists can make it from trash.
Graphene is insanely useful, but very difficult to produce — until now.
The secret to regeneration? Scientists say it lies in the axolotl genome.
Researchers have recently discovered two of the genes that govern this weird-looking salamander's ability to regenerate limbs, eyes, and even its brain.
A mummy murder has been solved after 2,600 years
Researchers confirmed that the mummy known as Takabuti died from a stab wound to the back.
Researchers discover dozens of existing drugs with anti-cancer properties
Numerous drugs designed to treat diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions may actually have secret anti-cancer properties as well.
5 meta-skills to supercharge every aspect of your life
Being a specialist used to be the way forward, but the future belongs to people who can adapt to any given scenario on a dime.
Study suggests sperm donation, like organs, should be allowed post-mortem
Is it ethical to use a dead man's sperm to become pregnant?
Wuhan coronavirus confirmed to be transmissible between humans
The new strain of coronavirus that has spread across Asia is causing concern ahead of China's Lunar New Year.
Mathematical model shows how the Nazis could have won WWII’s Battle of Britain
With just a few strategical tweaks, the Nazis could have won one of World War II's most decisive battles.
Artificial photosynthesis produces ‘green methane’
A new device shows promising results in its ability to convert CO2 and water into useful fuels.
The hunt for the ‘angel particle’ continues
In 2017, researchers believed they had found evidence for the elusive Majorana fermion. Now, a new study found that the exotic class of particles may still be confined to theory.
3 ways quantum computing can help us fight climate change
There's a lot we can do with current technology to help stem the tide of climate change, but future technology may help even more.
Choosing new ‘umbrella’ species in Australia could save many others
Is the way we choose which animals to protect out of date?
North Atlantic Current could stop within the next century
New research suggests the ocean current that delivers warm water to Europe has a one-in-six chance of halting temporarily over the next hundred years, potentially resulting in freezing temperatures.
Nuclear-powered Mars rover to search for old life, prepare for human life
The Mars 2020 rover is set to launch in July of the same year, setting the stage for years and years of science on the Red Planet.
New membrane enables us to harvest ‘osmotic’ energy from water
You've likely heard of solar energy, but what is osmotic energy?
Rolls-Royce to launch all-electric plane in 2020
The racing plane is hoped to be the fastest electric plane in existence.
Early exposure to dogs might curb schizophrenia risk, Maryland researchers say
Man's best friend indeed.
An ancient piece of chewing gum offers surprising insights into the human genome
All this from a wad of gum?
Global emissions slowed down in 2019, but still reached a record high
Recent research estimates that the growth of emissions slowed down to 0.6 percent in 2019. However, this still means that humans released more CO2 into the atmosphere in 2019 than in any other year.
Humans are exposed to 44 times as much BPA as previously assumed
A new method of measuring human exposure to the potentially toxic chemical calls into question regulatory policy.
Boeing to halt production of the 737 as FAA continues review
Following two deadly crashes, the FAA has been engaged in a lengthy review process of the Boeing 737. With recent news that the review may continue into 2020, Boeing has opted to halt production of the plane.
Greta Thunberg, climate change activist, wins Time Person of the Year
Going from a solitary teenage protester in front of the Swedish parliament to a global icon in little more than a year certainly merits a distinction.
10 mind-bending books on the nature of time
Why does time flow in one direction? Why do humans perceive time so differently than it really is? Is there really a difference between the present, the past, and the future? These books explore these questions and more.
Why there are reasons to be optimistic about coral reefs
Let's not kid ourselves: Coral reefs are in serious danger. But numerous ambitious projects are underway with the goal of keeping these ecosystems alive.
‘Fly something else’: Former Boeing manager refuses to fly on the 787 Dreamliner
In a recent interview, a former Boeing quality manager cited numerous safety concerns in the 787 Dreamliner.
One of the best ways to treat anxiety? A full night’s rest, new research suggests.
Researchers discover that not only can anxiety prevent you from sleeping, but not getting a good night's sleep might also cause anxiety.
The ketogenic diet may help fight against the flu
Researchers found that the popular diet could confer some benefits to your immune system.