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Rare elements have become a hot commodity. It’s amazing to think that elements with bizarre-sounding names such as dysprosium and ytterbium help power many of the products we use every day, including our smart phones, flat-screen TVs, computers, cars and other applications. The problem: Many of these elements are becoming more scarce by the day. Here are some dilemmas that the United States may soon face based on these vanishing elements.

The realm of science fiction is a tight-knit community. While other genres have a wide appeal, science fiction has been, until very recently, solely a fan-driven genre. Although movies and TV have brought sci-fi to a wider audience and Internet sites and blogs have replaced fanzines, science fiction novels and short stories are still the mainstay of cutting-edge science fiction. The following list contains essential writers old and new who are well respected in the genre but aren’t as universally known (at least yet) as perhaps, say, Robert Heinlein or Isaac Asimov in the science fiction universe.

Critics call them “Frankenfoods,” an unpredictable and untested science that could endanger human health. Supporters claim they’re beneficial and can even save the world from famine. Since their introduction in the mid-1990s, genetically modified foods (GM foods) have sparked controversy, generating heated public debate and scientific discussion. GM crops such as corn have been artificially altered by scientists in a laboratory, bred to fight off weeds and pests and avoid spoilage. This means more efficient and cheaper food production. Although it sounds good in theory, opponents worry about inadequate regulation and the lack of long-term testing. Many are also concerned about the potential ecological and environmental impact. As U.S. consumers become more concerned about their food sources and health, the demand has grown for more testing and labeling of GM foods. Here are 10 surprising facts about genetically modified foods.

We all want an efficient exercise regimen but are frequently overwhelmed with how to set up a program to meet our goals. Exercise programs should always include some type of cardiovascular activity coupled with strength training. Set manageable goals and implement these five factors for a well-rounded and effective exercise program.

For some time now, we have been hearing that 40 is the new 20. Now the statement that “60 is the new 20” is at risk of turning into yet another cliché. No doubt people are living longer and staying more active than ever before, but the legends below were seemingly defying the aging process long before 40, let alone 60, was equated with the robustness of youth. In fact, these cultural icons didn’t gain prominence in their respective fields until most of their counterparts were looking forward to retiring to warmer climes.

Science is the bedrock of modern society. And while it’s true that science and technology support everything from communications and medicine to assuring a food supply for our burgeoning population, it’s also alarming that we’ve set up a society where few understand the underpinnings of science. And although those seeking it can still get valuable preparation for a science career prior to college, a great many students in the United States are being woefully underprepared to become citizens of a technical society. Here are five reasons why U.S. students are falling behind in science.

Like it or not, American politics today is often decided not on substance, but on appearance. Politicians employ public relations professionals to help them get their message out, and these pros often create carefully staged public appearances designed to portray their politician in a favorable light. Usually, everything goes according to plan and photos from the event generate positive media coverage — think presidential candidate Barack Obama speaking before some 200,000 people in 2008 at Berlin’s Victory Column. He looked presidential, and even his critics admit it gave him a degree of legitimacy in the public consciousness that he had not yet earned. On the other hand, sometimes these photo opportunities have disastrous results. Here are five political photo ops that turned out very bad for those involved.

We’ve all heard the stories of people staying up until the middle of the night to book a fare so phenomenally low it makes the national news. And while I’m certainly thrilled for those who manage to accomplish these minor miracles, most of us just want to get the best deal we can without very much stress. Here are five easy ways to save some money booking travel online.

When it’s raining cats and dogs you want to go inside, and you know to never trust anyone who sheds crocodile tears. While you may regularly delight in uttering animal idioms and be well aware of their meanings, you might not be equally as aware of their origins. Some stem from literal uses, others are more proverbial and at least one is thoroughly disgusting as it sheds a whole new light on a heavy rainfall.

Filmmakers love to compliment other filmmakers. Critics make a living at it. Add in the general public's generous word of mouth, and it becomes easy to believe everything you hear about someone. For every film director whose talents go unsung, there are probably five more whose true abilities become lost in a tidal wave of praise long before they deserve such attention, if ever. No two movie fans are likely to agree on who those five may be. In fact, it's not uncommon to find the same names on lists of both overrated and underrated filmmakers — and not surprising, either. Every movie director on this particular list has made at least one great motion picture. But if it's true that one should be judged by his worst work, not his best, then these five movie directors (six, technically) have a lot to answer for.