Science Topics

Collections Color Our world is awash in color. It shapes evolution, evokes powerful emotions, and conveys vast amounts of information. Collections Bioluminescence Welcome to the world of bioluminescence: the generation of light by living things. Collections Climate Change Earth’s climate is naturally dynamic, but human activity is affecting it, evident in abundant data collected over time. Collections Cosmology Looking for the big picture? It doesn’t get any bigger than cosmology: the science of how the universe began and developed. Collections Darwin This 19th-century naturalist’s curiosity led him to a new understanding of the world around us. Collections Dinosaur Discoveries The 21st century is shaping up as a great time to be a paleontologist: here's the latest in our understanding of dinosaurs. Collections Disease and Eradication Learn how scientists track infectious diseases, and the worldwide efforts to eradicate them. Collections Food As shoppers and as eaters, we play a critical role in shaping what ends up on our plate and why. Collections Health and Our Microbiome Humans are just a speck in a massively bacterial world. Microbes make up 70 to 90 percent of all cells in our bodies. Collections Human Origins Groundbreaking research tackles questions about what it means to be human. Collections Moths and Butterflies Draw a butterfly. Build a butterfly. Learn about butterfly evolution, migration, and conservation. Collections Nature as Innovator Inspired by Earth’s biodiversity, scientists today are developing fascinating new technologies to solve tough problems. Collections Near-Earth Asteroids Rocky objects orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter, but some come much closer to our planet. Collections The Pluto Question Far from the Sun, and smaller than Earth's Moon, Pluto remains one of the more mysterious bodies in the solar system. Collections Vietnam: Biological and Cultural Diversity From its tropical forests to its mountains and coral reefs, Vietnam is home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals. Collections Volcanoes How does heat escape from the churning engine that keeps our planet running? Through volcanoes. Collections Whales The awe-inspiring animals have long played a vital role in the lives of coastal peoples around the world. Collections Water and Life on Earth Water makes life as we know it possible. By using it more wisely, we'll ensure there's enough to sustain all living things.