Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

Jurassic Secrets: The Virgin Birth of a Crocodile

In 2018, a female crocodile in Costa Rica laid eggs without ever meeting a male: the first confirmed case of parthenogenesis in crocodiles. Discover how this “virgin birth” links to dinosaurs, survival, and the hidden secrets of evolution.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

Pruney Fingers: The Secret Grip Engine Hidden in Us

Discover why fingers wrinkle in water, what science reveals about nerves and grip, and the hidden evolutionary story behind this everyday mystery.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

Airborne Seeds and Invisible Roots: The Poetry of Floating Agriculture

At TU Delft, researchers are redefining farming with “magnetoponics”: a floating agriculture system that uses magnetic levitation to grow plants in mid-air! Could this fusion of science and wonder reshape the way we feed the world?

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

The Hidden Cost of Non-Stick Everything

Non-stick pans may make cooking easier, but many are coated with PFAS “forever chemicals” linked to cancer, diabetes, and thyroid disease. Learn the hidden dangers of non-stick everything, and discover safer alternatives for your kitchen.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

Bioluminescence and the Poetry of Self-Made Light

Explore the wonder of bioluminescence: self-made light in oceans, forests, and caves. A journey into the science, symbolism, and secrets of living light.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

From Soil to Sip: Russia’s Quiet, Unfinished Wine Renaissance

Explore Russia’s evolving wine scene, from ancient grape varieties to sprawling vineyards along the Black Sea. Discover the government’s self-sufficiency push, standout wineries, and the unique terroirs shaping this overlooked wine powerhouse.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

From Chalky to Chewy: How Flour Type Changes Cookie Texture

Discover how all-purpose, bread, 00, and cake flours transform your cookies from tender and crumbly to thick and chewy. Learn the science of protein content and texture so you can bake your perfect batch every time.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

Chamomile and Chill: The Science of Calming Plants

Discover the soothing world of chamomile and other calming plants. From their poetic beauty to the science behind their gentle magic, explore how nature whispers peace into our bodies and minds.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

The Origin of the Cappuccino: A Cup That Holds Centuries

Discover the rich history of the cappuccino, from its 17th-century monastic roots to its role in modern coffee culture. Fun facts, foam science, and global traditions in one cup.

Read More
Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo) Michele Edington (formerly Michele Gargiulo)

How Coral Reefs Remember Storms and Surges

Coral reefs are living archives, recording centuries of storms in their skeletons. Discover how reefs remember, adapt, and survive the ocean’s tempests.

Read More

Search the Archive: