The Best of Discover Magazine
10+ most popular Discover Magazine articles, as voted by our community.
Science that matters, for readers that matter.
Discover Magazine on Brain
What’s Happening in Your Brain Moments Before Death?
A man’s sudden death during a routine brain scan has given researchers a glimpse of the dying human brain.
«Whatever makes the top of your list may just be what you recall in your final moments, according to this recent study.»
Discover Magazine on Consciousness
Brains Might Sync As People Interact — and That Could Upend Consciousness Research
When we cooperate on certain tasks, our brainwaves might synchronize. This finding could upend the current understanding of consciousness.
Discover Magazine on Dreams
Discover Magazine on Food History
The Inuit Paradox
How can people who gorge on fat and rarely see a vegetable be so healthy?
Discover Magazine on Game Theory
Game Theory Explains Why Popular Baby Names Come and Go
“It's obvious that people like to stand out. Just observe a hipster claiming you've never heard of his favorite band."
«Mathematics forces us to be precise when we talk about social phenomena, so we can check whether our claims actually make logical sense,”»
Discover Magazine on Nature
Are Humans the Only Animals That Lie?
Nonhuman animals can certainly deceive one another — and sometimes deceive humans. But are humans the only species that tell flat-out lies?
How Intelligence Is Measured In The Animal Kingdom
As understandings of human intelligence evolve, so, too, do understandings of animal intelligence.
Discover Magazine on Pets
How Dogs Perceive Time
Dogs can’t tell us what time means to them — but maybe we can try and understand how dogs perceive the passing of time.
Discover Magazine on Science
How Adding Iodine to Salt Boosted Americans' IQ
New research finds that iodine played a substantial role in cognitive improvements in 20th century Americans.
«But research since then has found that iodine also plays a crucial role in brain development, especially during gestation.»
How The Term 'Mad Scientist' Began And How It Shapes Our World
While mad scientists abound in sci-fi and horror stories, the first true mad scientist didn't appear until 1816. Tracing the term through history and literature helps us to understand how society sees…
Popular
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Conversations With Strangers Are Often More Enjoyable Than We Expect
You might feel anxious about talking to a stranger — including concerns that you'll run out of things to talk about, or simply have a bad time. But recent research reveals that we might not need to…
How Do Dolphins Choose Their Name?
Dolphins identify themselves with a unique whistle that scientists have likened to a human name. Here's how they decide what to call themselves.
Research Reveals Surprising Conversations Between Our Brain Cells
A new finding on star-shaped cells called astrocytes could lead to future treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
The Quantum Internet Will Blow Your Mind. Here’s What It Will Look Like
The next generation of the Internet will rely on revolutionary new tech. It will make unhackable networks real — and transmit information faster than the speed of light.
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