ScIU Conversations in Science at Indiana University: Indiana University Bloomington

Makeup: The ugly truth

By: sciutern • May 8, 2026

Waking up and applying makeup has become one of the most relaxing parts of my daily routine. Itâs a creative space where I get to decide how I want to present myself to the world. However, as Iâve become more conscious of what goes into and onto my body, I started questioning what exactly ...

Secret world of elephants

By: sciutern • April 24, 2026

For millions of years, proboscideans â" a group that includes mammoths, mastodons, and elephants â" traversed diverse landscapes, molding ecosystems and leaving behind an expansive evolutionary saga. Today, only three species remain: the African Savanna elephant, the African Forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. These surviving giants, though widely recognized, harbor secrets that go ...

Who makes the longest sperm on Earth?

By: Brooke Peckenpaugh • April 10, 2026

The drive to reproduce has led to many of the flashiest traits observed in nature. Deer use antlers to fight one another for access to mates, peacocks show off complex and colorful feathers to catch the eyes of peahens, and frogs sing loud, distinct choruses to draw a female in. But competition does not ...

A Sweet Alternative? The Truth About Low-Calorie Sweeteners

By: Vanya Sapkota • March 27, 2026

Do you ever reach for a diet soda or zero-calorie yogurt, thinking you are making the healthier choice? For decades, low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia have been marketed as miracle tools for weight loss and diabetes management. They give us the sweetness we crave without the caloric baggage. But are these ...

The Rise of the Fire Ants

By: sciutern • March 13, 2026

Imagine stepping into your backyard on a sunny afternoon, only to accidentally disturb a small mound of dirt. Within seconds, hundreds of tiny reddish-brown ants swarm out, climbing onto your shoes and delivering a barrage of stings that burn like fire. If you live in the southern United States, this scenario is likely all ...

How much sleep do you actually need?

By: sciutern • February 27, 2026

Weâve all heard the golden rule of health: get eight hours of sleep a night. Itâs a standard recommendation passed down by doctors, fitness apps, and well-meaning parents. But in our fast-paced world, finding those uninterrupted eight hours can feel like an impossible luxury. Many of us get by on six, five, or even ...

Navigating the Post-holiday Slump

By: Vanya Sapkota • February 13, 2026

The winter holidays are filled with excitement, social gatherings, and a break from routine. But as January and February roll around, many people experience a sudden drop in energy, motivation, and mood. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "post-holiday slump" or "post-holiday blues." While it might feel like a personal shortcoming, there ...

A Whale-Sized Mystery: How Do Giants of the Deep Keep from Getting Cancer?

By: Brooke Peckenpaugh • January 30, 2026

Cancer is fundamentally a disease of multicellularity. Every time a cell divides, there is a tiny chance that a mutation will occur in its DNA, potentially putting that cell on a path toward unregulated growthâ"the hallmark of cancer. Logically, organisms with more cells and longer lifespans should have a higher risk of developing cancer ...

The hidden science of your morning brew

By: sciutern • January 16, 2026

For millions of people around the world, morning doesnât truly begin until that first sip of coffee. Whether itâs a quick shot of espresso or a carefully poured mug, coffee is a staple of daily routine. But beyond the comfort and the caffeine kick lies a complex world of chemistry and biology. Every bean ...

Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

By: Vanya Sapkota • December 19, 2025

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many people experience a shift in their mood and energy levels. It becomes harder to wake up in the morning, motivation plummets, and a general sense of gloominess sets in. While itâs common to blame the "winter blues," for some, this annual shift is a ...

ScIU Conversations in Science at Indiana University