All posts filed under: SCIENCE

Taylor Goode suffers from a seizure disorder, and doctors have sent him home as a hospice patient. His mother, Jennifer Potts, is interested in experimentally treating her son with cannabis oil, derived from marijuana, to see if it will improve his condition. A Mississippi law passed this year has enabled the creation of cannabis oil as a form of treatment for patients with seizure disorders. (Photo by LaReeca Rucker)

Taylor’s Oil: New Mississippi law could lead to experimental marijuana cannabis oil treatment for children plagued with seizure disorders

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It has been three years since Taylor Goode has spoken to his mother — three years since she’s heard the sound of his voice. And sometimes she cannot bear to look at photos of her children when they were young and thriving.

“I usually get upset, so I don’t get them out a lot,” she said. “I miss it and want it back for them so bad.”

But Jennifer Potts is thankful that both of her boys are still alive and with her. “I know things can get worse,” she said. “These two kids have every right to be whiny, complaining and ill, but they are never down. So I try to stay positive and in a good mood, because they are.

A woman sits in nature writing in a notebook.

Living a life of gratitude can change your perspective on the world

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Gratitude has attracted a lot of attention from psychological researchers in recent years in the field of “positive psychology.” It examines topics like quality of life, virtues, character and happiness, said Stephen Southern, professor and chairman of the Mississippi College Department of Psychology and Counseling.

“One day, I thanked my dad for always staying calm even though he raised three girls,” she said. “Last night, I had a rough day at work, and I said I was thankful for beer,” she laughed. “But I try to be thankful for things that have made a difference in my life. Doing the updates really makes you think about it every day.”

A story about unidentified and unexplained sightings in Mississippi when the X Files movie came out.

Mississippi UFO sightings reveal strange lights, triangles, and more — what’s really out there?

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When we asked readers about their UFO experiences, many shared anonymous stories, fearing ridicule despite their credibility.

One radio reporter recalled seeing a mysterious light in Gautier that moved rapidly, then hovered motionless before darting away. Another witness, stationed on a German Air Force base in 1973, described a silent, brightly lit triangular craft crossing the sky in minutes — clearly not man-made.

A statue of Charles Darwin.

Why Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ still sparks debate 150 years later — and why it’s worth reading today

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With the 150th anniversary of “The Origin of Species” and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth falling just a year apart, New York Times science writer Olivia Judson recently predicted a surge of “Darwinmania.”

And for good reason — few scientists have had as lasting and polarizing an impact as Darwin, whose theory of natural selection reshaped our understanding of life on Earth.

A poster for the movie "Sea Monsters."

Sea Monsters and Childhood Mysteries: National Geographic’s new film dives into prehistoric legends

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“National Geographic’s” new film “Sea Monsters” is making waves — just not in Mississippi. Funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the film dives deep into the prehistoric oceans that once covered North America, exploring ancient creatures believed to have inspired legends like the Loch Ness Monster.

Roughly 80 million years ago, areas like Kansas were submerged beneath a vast inland sea, where giant marine reptiles roamed. The movie blends scientific discovery with legend, shedding light on the real-life creatures behind age-old myths. For anyone who grew up fascinated by dinosaurs or sea serpents, this one might stir up some serious nostalgia.

A picture of the colorful universe of stars.

Why Science Fans Should Watch NOVA’s ‘The Elegant Universe:’ A fascinating dive Into Einstein, physics, and the power of discovery

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Science lovers and curious minds alike will find “The Elegant Universe,” part of the acclaimed NOVA series, to be a captivating and enlightening experience. The documentary does an incredible job of breaking down some of the most complex theories in physics, making them not only understandable but genuinely fascinating.

One of the highlights is how the series traces the development of Einstein’s iconic equation, E = MC². Rather than presenting him as a lone genius, the film honors the many scientists — both men and women — who laid the groundwork for his breakthroughs. It’s refreshing to see the contributions of women in science acknowledged and celebrated.

A turtle swims in the blue ocean.

Why ‘Deep Sea IMAX’ is a must-watch for ocean lovers and marine life fans

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“Deep Sea IMAX” is a breathtaking underwater documentary so vividly filmed and full of personality that it feels like a real-life prequel to “Finding Nemo.” With its dazzling visuals and captivating marine cast, the film brings the ocean’s wonders to life in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.

Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, the documentary is a perfect pick for anyone fascinated by marine biology or eager to discover strange and beautiful sea creatures. From vividly colored fish to otherworldly invertebrates, the film showcases the deep sea as a vibrant, living world few ever get to see.

The film poster for "Idiocracy."

‘Idiocracy’ Review: A darkly funny look at a future overrun by stupidity

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In “Idiocracy,” an offbeat sci-fi satire from “Beavis and Butt-Head” creator Mike Judge, two ordinary people (played by Maya Rudolph and Luke Wilson) are chosen for a government time travel experiment. But things go hilariously wrong, and they wake up in the year 2505 — where intelligence is practically extinct.

In this dystopian future, society has been overrun by people who made their way to the gene pool without much thought — think Jerry Springer guests en masse. Smart individuals, who often delayed or debated having children, have been far outnumbered. As a result, the “average” time travelers are now the smartest humans alive.

A company called LumiGram is now making shirts, purses, pillows, table cloths, etc., out of fiberoptic material. I guess it's a step beyond glow-in-the-dark.

Glow-Up Fashion: LumiGram’s fiber optic clothing brings disco back to the future

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A French company called LumiGram is taking fashion and home décor into the future — literally — with its line of products made from fiber optic fabric.

That’s right — shirts, purses, pillows, tablecloths, and even jackets now glow with a radiant shimmer, thanks to embedded fiber optic strands that light up in the dark. Think of it as a high-tech twist on glow-in-the-dark, with a bit more flair and definitely more wattage.