The focus of this part of our web guide is on the natural sciences.
Natural science is a branch of science that seeks to understand the world and the universe around us. The natural sciences rely on empirical evidence from observation and experimentation.
Mechanisms such as peer review and the repeatability of findings are used to ensure the validity and accuracy of scientific advances.
The natural sciences use tools from the formal sciences, like mathematics and logic, to express nature's laws. They often intersect with other fields, fostering interdisciplinary studies.
The two main branches of the natural sciences are the life sciences and the physical sciences, both of which are divided into several sub-branches.
The life sciences include biology, aerobiology, agrostology, anatomy, astrobiology, bacteriology, behavior analysis, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biolinguistics, biological anthropology, biological oceanography, biomechanics, biophysics, botany, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, evolutionary developmental biology, genetics, immunology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, mycology, neuroscience, paleontology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, phycology, physiology, population biology, quantum biology, structural biology, synthetic biology, systems biology, theoretical biology, toxicology, virology, and zoology.
The physical sciences include the Earth sciences, chemistry, physics, and astronomy.
The Earth sciences include the sub-branches of geology, geography, geophysics, geochemistry, climatology, glaciology, hydrology, meteorology, and oceanography.
Chemistry is a third branch of the physical sciences. Five branches of chemistry include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.
Physics includes astronomy (astrodynamics, astrometry, astrophysics, celestial mechanics, extragalactic astronomy, galactic astronomy, physical cosmology, planetary science, and stellar astronomy), atmospheric physics, atomic, molecular, and optical physics (optics), biophysics (neurophysics, polymer physics, and quantum biology), chemical physics, computational physics, condensed matter physics, electricity, electromagnetism, geophysics, magnetism, mathematical physics, mechanics (aerodynamics, biomechanics, classical mechanics, continuum mechanics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and statics), medical physics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, nuclear physics, particle physics, psychophysics, plasma physics, quantum physics (quantum field theory, quantum informational theory, and quantum foundations), quantum gravity, and relativity (general relativity and special relativity). Agrophysics, cryogenics, econophysics, materials physics, and vehicle physics are sometimes included.
Astronomy is a physical science that studies celestial objects and the phenomena that occur in the cosmos. It uses mathematics, physics, and chemistry in order to explain their origin and overall evolution. Astronomy is one of the oldest natural sciences. It includes astrophysics, cosmology, spectroscopy, photometry, heliophysics, helioseismology, asteroseismology, astronomy, selenography, astrogeology, astrobiology, astrochemistry, planetology, and exoplanetology.
Physics, including astronomy, has ancient origins. During the Scientific Revolution of the 16th century, the natural sciences emerged as distinct research programs. The descriptive classification of plants, animals, and minerals began in the 16th century.
Modern natural science embraces mathematical and experimental approaches and was championed by Galileo, Kepler, Descartes, Bacon, and Newton.
The natural sciences bridge observation, experimentation, and mathematical modeling to unravel the mysteries of the world and beyond.
Topics related to these fields and sub-fields, as well as any other natural sciences that might have been missed, are the focus of this category.
Categories
Life SciencesPhysical Sciences |
Recommended Resources
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is an intergovernmental organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Established in 1954, it is based in Meyrin, a western suburb of Geneva, on the France-Switzerland border. With 23 member states, CERN is an official United Nations General Assembly observer. CERN's chief function is to provide the particle accelerators and other infrastructure needed for high-energy physics research.
https://home.cern/
Edited by John van Wyhe, the website is purported to be the world's largest resource on Charles Darwin. His publications and manuscripts are available in PDF, text, or image format, including material derived from his published books, magazine articles, notes, drafts, abstracts, datasheets, legal papers, correspondence, Darwin stamps, and photographs. The biography of Darwin is presented, and editorial introductions, a user guide, and acknowledgements are available.
https://darwin-online.org.uk/
The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory in Batavia, Illinois. Established in 1967, it specializes in high-energy particle physics. Since 2007, it has been operated by the Fermi Research Alliance, a joint venture of the University of Chicago and the Universities Research Association, although the DOE opened bidding for a new contractor in 2023. Its research, programs, and information about the industry are set forth.
https://www.fnal.gov/
The Melanoma Genetics Consortium was established as a non-profit organization in 1997. It is made up of the majority of research groups worldwide working on the genetics of familial melanoma. The consortium was formed to allow for efficient information sharing and data pooling. Its programs, aims, membership requirements, data sharing plan, and activities are set forth, and participants are acknowledged, along with published papers and links to other relevant resources.
https://genomel.org/
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Founded in 1909, the museum has grown from modest displays in downtown Houston to larger accommodations at the Houston Zoo to its current location in Hermann Park. HMNS is a multi-story science center with satellite facilities at Sugar Land and the George Observatory at Brazos Bend State Park. Its location, hours, admission rates, events, and policies for group accommodations are set forth, along with its exhibits, educational programs, support data, and an online store with branded items.
https://www.hmns.org/
Institute for Functional Materials and Devices
Lehigh University's Institute for Functional Materials and Devices (I-FMD) pursues innovative new materials and devices that underpin many of Society's greatest challenges, from detecting and treating disease to implementing large-scale renewable energy sources to securing food and fresh water. Its research includes renewable energy products, photonics, optoelectronics, active soft materials towards biofunctional nano-robotics, wound healing and biomaterials, and high material processing.
https://ifmd.lehigh.edu/
Established in 1846, the Institute is made up of experts, researchers, and government advisors. The third-largest natural sciences collection in Europe and one of the most visited museums in Belgium, the Institute conducts research in a wide variety of disciplines, from biology, taxonomy, and oceanography to geology, paleontology, and anthropology. For the general public, the museum is the visible part of the Institute of Natural Sciences, particularly its Dinosaur Gallery.
https://www.naturalsciences.be/en
The NPL is the national measurement standards laboratory of the United Kingdom. It sets and maintains physical standards for British industry. Founded in 1900, the NPL is one of the oldest metrology institutes in the world. Research and development work at the laboratory has contributed to the advancement of many science disciplines, including the development of early computers in the late 1940s and 1950s. Its industries, products, services, research, and programs are set forth.
https://www.npl.co.uk/
Rothamsted Research is a British organization and agricultural research station that aims to be recognized as a primary source of scientific research not just in the local scene but also internationally. The website provides information on the organization's offered resources, including laboratories, libraries, research farms, and more. The website also features Rothamsted Research centers and departments and also provides information for the public. Data, resources, and contacts are featured.
http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk
Science History Institute Museum & Library
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Science History Institute collects, preserves, interprets, and shares science's past by exploring lesser-known and sometimes overlooked stories from the history of science and technology, including its successes and failures. Founded in 1982, the museum features historical science exhibitions, collections, educational activities, events, research, and stories, including a magazine, podcasts, digital collections, and a blog.
https://www.sciencehistory.org/
Published by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, a program of the Center for Inquiry, that encourages careful, rational, critical examination of unusual claims, the Skeptical Inquirer is a digital magazine that is available by subscription only, although selected articles from its latest edition are available without a subscription. Article submission guidelines are published on the site, including the types of contribution, the review process, and manuscript preparation.
https://skepticalinquirer.org/
U.S. National Science Foundation
The NSF is an independent agency of the United States federal government that supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering. Its medical counterpart is the National Institutes of Health. This section provides an overview of the Foundation, along with its directorates, offices, and contacts. Its funding, partnership, and contractor opportunities are featured, including its focus areas, upcoming events, and a blog.
https://www.nsf.gov/
United Kingdom Science Park Association, The
UKSPA supports, promotes, represents, and encourages the continued growth of science parks, technology incubators, innovation centers, and other innovation locations and areas of innovations in the United Kingdom. Association members operate in different areas, with different funding and investment profiles, but together deliver added value to companies that occupy space or participate in member activities. Members, events, sectors, and upcoming events are posted.
https://www.ukspa.org.uk/
World Foundation for Natural Science, The
Founded in 1993, the World Foundation for Natural Science seeks to heal the world through responsibility and commitment in accordance with both natural and divine law and the realization that there can be no real science without God. Bringing together natural science and the humanities to solve the problems of our time, the site discusses several health topics, including the effects of microwaves and mobile radio on health, natural agricultural practices, plastic, and other topics.
https://www.naturalscience.org/
