Scientists Say

A weekly word defined, in a sentence and in context.

  1. Artificial Intelligence

    Scientists Say: Large language model

    Large language models, or LLMs, are language-processing systems that underpin advanced AI technologies such as ChatGPT.

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  2. Earth

    Scientists Say: Avulsion

    As rivers seek out easier routes to the sea, path reroutes can transform our world. This is ‘avulsion’ refers to in geology. In medicine, the word can describe injuries.

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  3. Earth

    Scientists Say: Lava bomb

    An explosive volcanic eruption can shoot a blob of lava into the air. As that blob travels, it cools, creating a dangerous lava bomb.

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  4. Life

    Scientists Say: Chimera

    What does it mean to be an individual? The genetic mashups called chimeras might challenge your assumptions.

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  5. Planets

    Scientists Say: Regolith

    This sandlike dust blankets planets, asteroids and other rocky surfaces of our solar system, including our own planet.

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  6. Brain

    Scientists Say: Aphantasia

    Not everyone has a “mind’s eye,” and that’s OK. Some people recall memories and process information in different ways altogether.

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  7. Earth

    Scientists Say: Frost Quake

    When wet soil abruptly freezes, it creates high pressure underground. When the pressure releases, it can trigger a mini-earthquake called a frost quake.

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  8. Brain

    Scientists Say: Dopamine

    This brain chemical helps focus our attention and plan our path toward success.

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  9. Life

    Scientists Say: Organoid

    Lab-grown organ models mimic the functions of real organs and may open doors to a future of personalized medical care.

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  10. Earth

    Scientists Say: Sundog

    A sundog appears in the sky when sunlight shines through tiny ice crystals suspended in the air.

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  11. Chemistry

    Scientists Say: Rocket propellants

    Rockets need more than fuel to get where they need to go — they also need oxidizers to burn that fuel. Together, these chemical combos are known as rocket propellants.

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  12. Animals

    Scientists Say: Monotreme

    These animals are the only egg-laying mammals on Earth.

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