National Geographic

Concern over the health risks of seed oils is rife online—but are these debates rooted in science? Some claim that seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil are harmful to our health, but experts argue that the truth is more complicated. Learn more about which cooking oils are best for your health and the planet: https://lnkd.in/e8hPfgds

In 1960, American scientists established Camp Century, a nuclear-powered research base in the Arctic. What they didn’t know, however, was the camp's secret purpose as part of “Project Iceworm,” a classified initiative to house nuclear weapons beneath the ice. Though Camp Century is now abandoned, its legacy may hold the key to even greater Arctic secrets.

100 years ago, we first learned that stars were made of hydrogen and helium. The discovery was made by 24-year-old student Cecilia Payne, who published a thesis that contradicted the leading scientific theories of the era—and laid the foundation for the next century of stellar astrophysics.

Around the world, girls are starting puberty earlier than before. Research indicates that between 1950 and 2005, the number of girls experiencing early menstruation (defined as younger than age 11) nearly doubled to 16 percent. According to scientists, there are several potential explanations—and it could have serious ramifications on physical and psychological health. Learn more about the science behind precocious puberty: https://lnkd.in/e2KZDP8c

In 2011, marine biologist Christine Pergent-Martini was hunkered down inside a small research vessel, mapping the Mediterranean seafloor off the coast of Corsica. Then, something truly bizarre scrolled into view: a perfect circle, then another, and another. So what drew these mysterious rings, and what was hiding among them?

From disrupting your sleep to causing hangxiety, drinking alcohol can have some adverse effects on your health—but luckily it’s not all bad news 🍻 Learn more about how alcohol affects the body at: https://lnkd.in/eTSVgtFn

Healthy food used to be healthier. The quantity of nutrients and vitamins is declining in our crops. Modern agricultural processes may have improved crop yields, but scientists believe they disrupt soil health—meaning our arable land is less fertile and the food on our plates isn't as healthy as the food our grandparents ate. Dig into the research behind nutrient decline: https://lnkd.in/ergZg3tS

This Weekly Escape explores the true wonder women of the ancient world, the history and culture we lost when L.A. burned ... and why these monkeys are trying to mate with deer. Plus, the real story behind earlier puberty in girls.

Red wood ants might be one of the smallest keystone species, but they're a big deal. The formic acid they spray contains antimicrobial properties that can fight against bacterial and fungal pathogens—and can also act as a natural form of pest control, protecting trees from destructive insects like wood-boring beetles.

Adorable baby animals make for regular viral sensations, but it's not just an internet phenomenon—we're evolutionarily hardwired for it. Learn more about the science of cute: https://lnkd.in/e-fU6Zxh Host: Sarah Gibbens