Memory Depends on ‘Spacing Effect’ and Variation

Wishful thinking, or dismissing beliefs that make us uncomfortable, even if they’re true, is a common human weakness. Find out how a new study examined how we tend to avoid thinking about negative consequences and how we can learn to manage this familiar tendency.

Ice cap melting is one of many adverse results of global warming and climate change. Find out how the flow of meltwater from Earth’s poles to its equator is affecting our planet’s rotation rate and how our atomic clocks measure time.

The Milky Way’s origins have puzzled scientists since we first realized its one of countless galaxies in our universe. Find out how scientists have applied information from the Gaia Space Observatory and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to uncover two of our galaxy’s earliest star streams.

Memory has puzzled scholars since the dawn of civilization. Find out how new research shows that spacing out study periods, along with varying the context of the item we’re trying to remember, improves our memories.

Bumblebee hives can provide fascinating insights into animal behaviour in groups. Find out how a new study suggests that bees can learn complex, multi-step tasks through social interaction.

Odysseus is the name of the first American spacecraft to land on the moon in 52 years. Find out how its missions succeeded despite enduring and overcoming some demanding challenges and setbacks.

Robots with AI (artificial intelligence) are emerging as developers combine large language models (LLMS) with autonomous devices. Find out why they’re discovering that it takes far more than linguistic skills to replicate basic human abilities.

Migratory species are the subject of a new report presented at the United Nations this week. Find out why populations of migratory animals are declining, and what scientists recommend to conserve and sustain these threatened species and their habitats.

Black holes and galaxies existed together during the first one percent of our universe’s existence. Find out why this upends conventional thinking on how stars, galaxies and black holes formed after the Big Bang.

Brain cells have a remarkable capacity to organize themselves. Find out how a new study explains the strikingly simple networking processes behind these vital connections.