Mistletoe Mysteries: From Parasite to Holiday Icon

Mistletoe, a plant that has become synonymous with holiday cheer, is also a fascinating organism from a scientific and biological perspective. Scientifically, mistletoe refers to a group of parasitic plants that grow on the branches or trunks of trees. Unlike…

The Best Holiday-Themed Research You’ll Read Today

The British Medical Journal, while one of the oldest and most respected general medical journals, is not a traditional source for Christmas reading. However, tucked within its December 2012 issue is the peer-reviewed article “Why Rudolph’s Nose is Red: Observational…

Five ways to bring holiday cheer into your classroom, the scientific way

December marks the beginning of many celebrations. There is Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, St. Lucia Day, Festivus and New Year's, to name a few. Plus, many people celebrate the winter or summer solstice, depending on which hemisphere you reside…