As a high-schooler, comedian John Flynn finds a way to step out of his siblings' shadows, on the day his science class is determining their blood types.
Read MoreEli Kintisch: Separating chemistry
Having fallen in love with the ability of chemists' to learn about elements by separating them down to their essence, Eli Kintisch has just two obstacles to becoming a scientist: a machine, and another intern.
Read MoreErin Barker: Oh, just those four things?
Erin Barker struggles with a disease that only makes her give up four things; they just happen to be the four things worth living for.
Read MoreJamy Ian Swiss: The universal personality reading machine
In the IBM pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair, Jamy Ian Swiss encounters a computer that reveals a piece in personality, although maybe not in the way it's inventor intended.
Read MoreDarlene Cavalier: Why not put a cheerleader in the room?
Darlene Cavalier, a former professional cheerleader, had always felt like science wasn't for people like her. But then a chance conversation leads her to learn more about science, and even more about cheerleaders, than she ever imagined.
Read MoreJim O'Grady: Running from the Bronx
In a high-stakes race in high school, Jim O'Grady draws from his mother's Bronx background for inspiration.
Read MoreDavid Dobbs: Lost in your brain
When science writer David Dobbs is suddenly unable to remember how to drive his kids to school, he sets off on a quest to understand his own brain, and makes a shocking discovery.
Read MorePhoebe Cohen: Chasing rocks and bears
While hunting for fossils of some of Earth's oldest organisms, paleontologist Phoebe Cohen and her geologist friend encounter a problem with one of Earth's more recently evolved organisms.
Read MoreTom Levenson: Wide open spaces and the long road home
As a young man Tom Levenson tries to follow his deceased father's advice, and takes a wide detour that leads him to contemplate life at the base of Newton's tree.
Read MoreBlaise Allysen Kearsley: How babies are made
Writer Blaise Allysen Kearsley asks the question: how do you learn about sexuality when no one tells you anything useful, and everyone else seems to know what they're doing?
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