Science

A representative of the bristlecone pine tree species in the US state of Nevada answers some quick questions about the secret to its longevity. Łukasz Kaniewski

On this day in 1857, a young Indian soldier in an infantry regiment of the British East India Company decided to take a stand against his British masters. His actions kickstarted a major rebellion. Adam Węgłowski

Thousands of years ago, in the northwestern regions of South Asia, a Bronze Age society flourished—without wars, famine, or slavery. Łukasz Kaniewski

After the removal of wolves from its ecosystem, a thousands-of-years-old aspen colony in Utah has started to slowly die. Łukasz Kaniewski

Our quarterly communication of news from Earth and outer space, including the birth of the moon, a forgery of Galileo, and the truth behind UFOs. Łukasz Kaniewski

Far from being a cuddly white teddy, the polar bear is the largest land predator on Earth. It is essential that they are protected from the changing climate—and humans. Mikołaj Golachowski

Owing to its geography, the southernmost continent experiences the planet’s strongest air currents, meaning there’s never a dull moment. Mikołaj Golachowski

On this day in 1936, the Olympic flame burned from up high, announcing the start of the Winter Olympics hosted by… the Third Reich. The games were a propaganda coup for Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Adam Węgłowski

Members of the Ursidae family can approach humans visiting national parks. The matter of how to maintain natural balance—and distance—is complex. Anna Maziuk

The Kermode bear lives in a temperate rainforest on the Pacific coast of British Columbia and is a litmus test for the future of the entire ecosystem. Kamila Kielar

Some animals grow old, slowly deteriorating physically and mentally, whereas others can seemingly regenerate their bodies time and time again. Adam Zbyryt

White is a reflection of all the colors of the rainbow. This is probably why it is so difficult to find it in a perfect, unblemished form. Szymon Drobniak

Foxes are a remarkable species whose intelligence and pragmatism has led to them becoming the most widespread land predatory mammals on Earth. Mikołaj Golachowski

On this day in 1863, a certain French author published his first novel, about three Brits taking a balloon trip over Africa. Jules Verne’s debut was a hit, and guaranteed his legacy. Adam Węgłowski

On this day in 1952, just over a decade after the wartime Blitz, death from above hit the streets of London again. Smog was everywhere, blinding pedestrians and even creeping into cinema screens. Adam Węgłowski

The multicolored arches that appear in the sky are optical rather than physical phenomena—and as such are unique to the eyes of each viewer. Szymon Drobniak

Positioned between red and yellow, this fiery hue is often hidden in plain sight—be it in the paint decorating the Golden Gate Bridge or on the leaves of most plants. Szymon Drobniak

Our quarterly communication of news from Earth and outer space, including a wimpy particle, attempts to contact aliens, and the truth about Jupiter’s shocking past. Łukasz Kaniewski

The British philosopher was both a rebel and pacifist—and one who maintained his convictions and hopes for humanity until the day he died. Paulina Wilk

On this day in 1848, Edgar Allan Poe was in a decidedly bad place. With a string of successful literary works behind him, what exactly was causing the writer’s melancholia? Adam Węgłowski