Reynolds School of Journalism | University of Nevada, Reno

Reading Fiction Can Make You Kinder And More Accepting

A large heart is cut out of a pink border. Within the heart, there are four heraldic banners depicting houses from the Harry Potter series. From left to right: a badger, a snake, a lion, and a bird.

Though reading fiction is broadly understood to be something people do to escape from the “real world,” studies have shown that it can foster benevolent social behaviors — and there might be an evolutionary reason for this.

Life Finds a Way: How Scientists Could Revive Extinct Animals

A green, two-dimensional brachiosaurus on a background of lined notebook paper. The animal is facing the right.

Bringing back the wooly mammoth? It’s not just fodder for speculative fiction! In this animated short, Luis Martinez walks us through the theoretical process of restoring an extinct species with the scattered remains of its genetic material.

‘Asian Glow’ Is The Body’s Warning To Avoid Alcohol

A simplified human form blushes heavily. A cross-section of their stomach is filled with a pale brown liquid.

Those have the “Alcohol Flush Reaction” gene may notice their face turns a bright red hue after drinking alcohol. In this short animation, Joffea Burgos demonstrates how this symptom is triggered and “toasts” its purpose to warn individuals with this condition that they are more prone to alcohol-related diseases.

How Do Large Desert Animals Find Water?

An animated coyote (left) and a camel (right) face each other on rolling sand dunes. Hovering above their heads is the word "H20," which is crossed out.

Large wildlife have a more difficult time keeping cool and hydrated, and have adapted differently to survive in arid ecosystems. From coyotes to tortoises to camels, Owen Megura explains some unique survival tactics large animals have evolved in the harsh conditions of their desert habitat in this short animation.

The ‘Core Four’ Cloud Formations

An anthropomorphic ice crystal and water droplet hover in the sky among gusts of wind and scattered clouds.

Though no two clouds ever look the same, each fit into one of four different categories depending on their altitude, density, and temperature! patterns they might portend.