The history and science of answering calls from ET. — The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, or SETI, began over 60 years ago when radio astronomers began devoting radio telescope time to scanning the heavens for artificial electromagnetic signals. So, after 60 years of searching, have they found any signals that were broadcasted by aliens? Unfortunately, no, but there have been…

Scientific speculation on why we haven’t been visited aliens. — As astronomers discover more about our Universe, the more we realize that Earth, and all those who live on it, are just a small piece of a grander cosmic expanse. Astronomers estimate that in our alone Galaxy, there are about 300 million potentially habitable planets; they also estimate there are…

The history of nanotechnology. — Nanotechnology is one of the things that got me interested in science as a young kid. But what is it? Most people vaguely know that it involves science and engineering at extremely small length scales. Science fiction fans might imagine the legion of tiny robots inside the body — fighting…

Silicon nanowires are enabling batteries that are smaller and lighter with greater energy density. — Most people know about solar energy because it’s become a popular way to power our homes. Some may have even heard of solar-powered cars. But imagine a world with solar-powered airplanes. Well, you don’t have to, because they already exist. How is it possible? Behind it all is the battery…

Moving forward, you’ll be able to get the 3D structure of any protein known to science by simply querying a database. — Proteins make up all living things, including you and I. Unfortunately, a protein’s structure, which determines what it does and how it works, is often devilishly complex. However, artificial intelligence (or AI) is making that knowledge much more accessible to scientists. This can enable a treasure trove of applications, ranging…

UFO crash landings, death rays, and other wild hypotheses. — On June 30, 1908, an explosion occurred deep within the Siberian forests that sent shockwaves throughout Europe. A man 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the center of the explosion was thrown out of his chair and described feeling like his body was on fire. Windows were shattered for hundreds of…

Another way nanotechnology is being used to save our planet. — I currently live in an apartment in beautiful Phoenix, AZ in the United States. Phoenix is literally the hottest city in America; it’s not uncommon for temperatures to reach highs of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celcius) in the summer. And it’s sunny all year long. I’m looking to buy…

The science behind quantum dot (QLED) displays. — During the famous Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2015, quantum dot display technology became the “new cool kid on the block” — budding shoulders with other then-hot technologies like wearables and the Internet of Things. A new era of display technologies has dawned. Harnessing the power of quantum…

Cancer drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects. — If you know someone who’s battling or has battled cancer, you probably know how devastating chemotherapy can be. When I was 13 years old, my grandfather was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was prescribed chemotherapy. Our whole family had to watch helplessly as he fought the disease and endured the…