Scientists Say
A weekly word defined, in a sentence and in context.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Torque
Some forces pull and some push. This force produces turning or twisting.
- Science & Society
Scientists Say: Social
Social is a single word used in many ways. But whether it’s social media or social order, social describes how we interact.
- Genetics
Scientists Say: Loci
The DNA in our bodies contains thousands of genes, all with different functions. We use a special word for their location.
- Genetics
Scientists Say: Allele
What makes your eyes green or brown? Different versions of the same gene. We call these alternative forms by a separate name.
- Climate
Scientists Say: Cyclone
These strong storms have different names in different oceans. But all are cyclones.
- Planets
Scientists Say: Exoplanet
Eight planets orbit our sun. We give a slightly different name to the millions of similar bodies orbiting other stars.
- Climate
Scientists Say: Hurricane or typhoon?
Sometimes you read about hurricanes, and sometimes about typhoons. The difference? Location, location, location.
- Planets
Scientists Say: Satellite
When we think of satellites, we often think of objects we send into space from Earth. But most satellites are actually all natural.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: Zoonosis
Sometimes diseases in people come from animals. These diseases have a special name.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: Carcinogen
We have all heard that some things — such as ultraviolent rays from the sun or dangerous chemicals — can cause cancer. These agents have a special name.
- Science & Society
Scientists Say: Forensics
When there’s blood, bones and fingerprints on a crime scene, it’s time to bring in the scientists. Their research is called forensics.
- Physics
Scientists Say: Photovoltaic
This effect allows us to convert sunlight into electricity and is a popular renewable energy source.
