The infinite adventure of space travel has us reaching for the stars, but the harsh environment of space poses serious physical challenges on our bodies. Scientists reviewed MRI images of the brains of 14 astronauts, taken before and after extended stays on the International Space Station, to see the effect of space travel on the brain. Learn more on NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

The recycling rate of commonly used plastics is less than one percent, but that accounts for nearly a third of all the waste, in all the landfills, worldwide. Researchers are looking to harness the power of the sun, in a climate-friendly process, to upcycle plastic waste, in hopes of increasing the rate of plastics recycling. Learn more at NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

The wide range of applications for artificial intelligence alone are impressive. Researchers used mammograms of breast cancer to compare radiologists and AI assessments, to understand how AI and humans look at the images and find regions of potential concern. They learned, when you pair up human and artificial intelligence, it could mean earlier and more accurate cancer detection. Learn more at NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

When doctors need to remove a sample of body tissue for closer examination, they perform a biopsy, a procedure that can create stress and anxiety in patients. MediSCAPE is a high-speed, 3D microscope that provides real-time, detailed images of live tissue cells that might someday make biopsies obsolete. Learn more at NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

There are two sounds made by animals that were rarely heard together in the wild, that of a coyote and a small gray fox. Yet, these two species have become new woodland neighbors. “Citizen Scientists” have helped researchers document how coyotes and small gray foxes have found a way to coexist. Learn more at NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

There are two sounds made by animals that were rarely heard together in the wild, that of a coyote and a small gray fox. Yet, these two species have become new woodland neighbors. “Citizen Scientists” have helped researchers document how coyotes and small gray foxes have found a way to coexist. Learn more at NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

The brain might process smell like a camera, capturing a snapshot of the essence of smell, or a symphony, with diverse brain cells working together to capture the scent. Using computer simulations, researchers developed a model to replicate the workings of the brain’s early olfactory system, the network it uses to smell. Learn more at “The Discovery Files.”

The brain might process smell like a camera, capturing a snapshot of the essence of smell, or a symphony, with diverse brain cells working together to capture the scent. Using computer simulations, researchers developed a model to replicate the workings of the brain’s early olfactory system, the network it uses to smell. Learn more at “The Discovery Files.”

Dental cavities and gum disease disproportionately impact low-income and rural communities. The major culprit is tooth decay, caused by a buildup of acid and plaque. Researchers are developing a tool that may someday help dentists identify high acidity. It is a hand-held device that can assess the amount of acidity in the plaque on teeth and could also be used in homes and by health workers in schools and rural clinics. Learn more on NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”

Dental cavities and gum disease disproportionately impact low-income and rural communities. The major culprit is tooth decay, caused by a buildup of acid and plaque. Researchers are developing a tool that may someday help dentists identify high acidity. It is a hand-held device that can assess the amount of acidity in the plaque on teeth and could also be used in homes and by health workers in schools and rural clinics. Learn more on NSF’s “The Discovery Files.”