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Photons come in every wavelength you can imagine. But one particular quantum transition makes light at precisely 21 cm, and it’s magical.

If it weren’t for the intricate rules of quantum physics, we wouldn’t have formed neutral atoms “only” ~380,000 years after the Big Bang.

Often viewed as a purely theoretical, calculational tool only, direct observation of the Lamb Shift proved their very real existence.

Whether you run the clock forward or backward, most of us expect the laws of physics to be the same. A 2012 experiment showed otherwise.

Perhaps the most well-known equation in all of physics is Einstein’s E = mc². Does mass or energy increase, then, near the speed of light?

Sunita Sah hopes that by redefining defiance, we can build societies that allow people to live more authentic lives.

While death-bed utterances are more famous, baby’s first words have influenced us too.

Research suggests curiosity triggers parts of the brain associated with anticipation, making answers more rewarding once discovered.

In “Enough Is Enuf,” Gabe Henry traces the history of simplified spelling movements and the lessons they teach us about language.

Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.

Here in the 21st century, quantum computing is quickly going from a dream to a reality. But what’s hype, and what’s actually true?

Over a century after we first unlocked the secrets of the quantum universe, people find it more puzzling than ever. Can we make sense of it?

In “Dear Oliver,” neuroscientist Susan Barry describes how her 10-year correspondence with Oliver Sacks unleashed her inner author.

In “The Gift of Not Belonging,” Rami Kaminski explains why group consensus may hinder the original thinkers who help advance society.

In his new book, the popular science writer tells the story of how scientists discovered the “gaseous ocean” we all swim in — and the trillions of invisible life forms we share it with.

Rich is brilliant at his job. He completes work in half the time of his coworkers. Should he have to sit at his desk just as long?

Unconsidered productivity might leave you moving efficiently in the entirely wrong direction.

From high school through the professional ranks, physicists still take incredible lessons away from Newton’s second law.

Executive coach Jodi Wellman explains how to “make it to the end with no regrets.”

Unraveling the subtle mechanics of luck can help us better steer the wheel of fortune.

In “Human History on Drugs,” Sam Kelly explores what the research can tell us about one of history’s most brilliant — and troubled — artists.

To understand others, you need to see past their fleeting emotions. You must perceive who they are as people.

When three wise men gifted baby Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they had no idea one was made from colliding neutron stars.

Lord Kelvin is thought to have said there was nothing new to discover in physics. His real view was the opposite.

Cody Delistraty explores if laughter can help alleviate the physical symptoms of grief.

The psychology of people who cut off all communication—and how that affects their partners.

Humans are good visual thinkers, too, but we tend to privilege verbal thinking.

In a far-reaching discovery with astrophysicist Karolina Garcia, we discuss what’s in the Universe and how it grew up.

Why dispelling the notion that it’s all about getting the correct answer is so powerful.

The truth may be out there — but it’s not in these close encounters of the third kind.