Scientists Say
A weekly word defined, in a sentence and in context.
- Space
Scientists Say: Kugelblitz
A black hole made of pure light —or kugelblitz — may be possible, at least in theory. But in practice: impossible.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Magnetosphere
This magnetic field encapsulates our planet, sheltering us from damaging energetic threats posed by the cosmos and our own sun.
- Space
Scientists Say: Cosmic rays
These energy-packed particles come to us from the farthest reaches of outer space.
- Genetics
Scientists Say: Telomere
These protective caps at the ends of chromosomes play a key role in cell replication.
- Math
Scientists Say: Fractal
There’s no end in sight for these infinitely complex geometric wonders.
- Materials Science
Scientists Say: Goldene
Making this metallic, two-dimensional (2-D) material is difficult — but super-thin sheets of gold could have uses in electronics and chemistry.
- Science & Society
Scientists Say: Thought experiment
Thinking through imaginary, sometimes absurd, scenarios can catalyze new ways of thinking.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Beakiation
Parrots use this clever sidestepping motion to maneuver along thin branches.
- Materials Science
Scientists Say: Superconductor
At cold enough temperatures, these materials can conduct electricity with no resistance.
- Space
Scientists Say: Astronomical interferometry
This technique links up many telescopes to see the universe in finer detail than any single telescope could alone.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Excitation
Excited electrons are to thank for dazzling fireworks displays, plants harnessing energy, the semiconductors behind modern tech and more.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Endotherm and Ectotherm
Endotherms use their own energy to maintain their internal temperature. Ectotherms use external heat sources to control their body temperature.
