​The origins of natural history museums go back to the Renaissance, when the wealthy owned private collections of specimens and other relics, including some items that were replicas. In the 18th century, one of the earliest known serious collectors was Sir Hans Sloane, a physician who traveled the world collecting specimens and other artifacts that led to the founding of the United Kingdom’s Natural History Museum in 1881. By the end of the 19th century natural history museums had been established in many parts of the world, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH) in Pittsburgh.

Today's CMNH mission has expanded considerably since its opening in 1895. The museum houses 22 million specimens and artifacts that combine the world's natural and scientific elements. Further, 10,000 specimens are typically displayed, and 1 million are in an online database. The modern-day CMNH also emphasizes inclusivity as it relates to the perspectives that are a part of the exhibits. The museum contains 20 galleries and research, library, and office space occupying 115,000 square feet. Outside of its mission of housing natural history, staff engage the community by visiting schools in western Pennsylvania.

CMNH's work is a collaboration among various disciplines. These disciplines, spanning 10 departments, work together to strategically find ways to maximize the museum's research, exhibitions, and public programming.

The history of the CMNH starts with philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who became wealthy in the steel industry. He wanted to create a museum accessible to everyone, regardless of rank or social class. An evolutionist, Carnegie was interested in paleontology, specifically dinosaurs. In Carnegie's time, paleontology expeditions had become very popular, with his scientists making a breakthrough discovery a few years after the museum opened. The museum scientists collected 400 crates of fossils for the early CMNH as part of its paleontological expeditions. Outside of dinosaurs, the museum exhibited artifacts from Ancient Egypt, beautiful minerals, and wildlife taxidermy.

At some point, the museum expanded to fund expeditions that took botanists, zoologists, anthropologists, and entomologists to the farthest parts of the planet to explore places in the Arctic and the Amazon, among others. The fauna and flora they collected helped the museum expand its collection from thousands to millions of artifacts and specimens.

The CMNH has accomplished much throughout its existence, including unearthing the Diplodocus carnegii fossils in 1899. It also found one of the planet's only juvenile fossils of the Apatosaurus, the world's first Tyrannosaurus rex, and in more recent times, an oviraptorosaur the CMNH calls Anzu wyliei. Other significant discoveries were of the Puijila darwini, Castorocauda lutrasimilis, and Hadrocodium wui. Outside of these finds, the museum also founded the Powdermill Nature Reserve in 1956. Later, it established a field station and laboratory in Rector, Pennsylvania, to enable researchers to perform long-term studies of natural populations in the state.

The museum also took 400 fossils and created the Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibit, which the CMNH is widely known for. Other notable exhibitions include the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, the Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt, the Benedum Hall of Geology, the Alcoa Foundation Hall of American Indians, and Polar World: Wyckoff Hall of Arctic Life.

Much of the research at the CMNH is published in scholarly journals, including its own Annals of Carnegie Museum, which publishes peer-reviewed articles. Additionally, the CMNH publishes Bulletins of Carnegie Museum, a collection of symposia papers, and the Special Publications of Carnegie Museum, which publishes special topics and research.

From its start as a paleontological and artifact effort, the CMNH continues expanding to take on other missions, including its recent focus on conservation. For more information regarding the museum, please visit carnegiemnh.org.

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Delirium is an acute, transient, and typically reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome. The elderly have a risk of experiencing delirium.

Indicators of delirium include slow responses, worsened concentration, and confused perception, such as visual-auditory hallucinations. Changes in social behavior, including challenges in following requests, changes in communication, and moodiness and withdrawal, also indicate delirium.

Several factors contribute to delirium, including age-related cognitive decline and medications. Delirium is a psychiatric emergency that often involves dementia and a history of cognitive impairment. Addressing these multifactorial symptoms requires talking to the patient calmly, explaining who and where they are, and explaining the care provider's role. It also includes socialization pathways, such as arranging regular visits with friends and undertaking cognitively stimulating activities, such as reminiscences and conversations about daily life.

Individuals with delirium require monitoring until the symptoms subside. Essential care includes ensuring that the patient is safe and getting sufficient sleep and avoiding common issues such as falls and bed sores. Some patients benefit from psychiatric medications to help them overcome the confusion and disorientation associated with delirium. Physical restraints serve as a last resort, only undertaken when measures such as pharmacotherapy have failed, and harm-threatening behaviors persist, which become dangerous to the patient and those around them.

​Operated by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, Space Center Houston remains a renowned nonprofit educational institution and space museum dedicated to science education and space exploration. The center features over 400 space artifacts, exhibits, and experiences to provide an immersive journey into America's human space-flight program. NASA Tram Tours serve as key attractions at Space Center Houston.

NASA Tram Tours provide an exclusive opportunity to visit NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and witness the marvels of human space exploration firsthand. Situated across 1,600 acres, JSC serves as the training hub for NASA astronauts and houses Mission Control, where a dedicated team in Houston supports astronauts in space. Three tram tours are available: the Historic Mission Control Tour, Astronaut Training Facility Tour, and George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour.

The Historic Mission Control Tour takes guests back to the iconic Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control. The tour focuses on NASA's Gemini and Apollo missions, including the historic first lunar landing. Located in Building 30 of NASA Johnson Space Center, this facility served as the nerve center for nine Gemini and all Apollo lunar missions. From here, the NASA team orchestrated the entire Apollo 11 mission from liftoff to landing. Guests experience the same monitors and rotary dials used during the Apollo era. They can also experience the final moments of the Apollo 11 lunar landing as they hear Neil Armstrong's famous words.

Guests must reserve a timed spot in advance for the Historic Mission Control Tram Tour when purchasing their general admission ticket. Tours depart from the left queue at the NASA Tram Tour boarding area, with the last tour departing two hours before closing. Historic Mission Control may not be available on weekends, and tours are subject to weather conditions and facility availability. Visitors must purchase it as an add-on to a general admission ticket at an additional cost.

The Astronaut Training Facility Tour allows guests to learn about how NASA astronauts prepare for their missions and the development of cutting-edge space exploration vehicles. Since 1980, the Astronaut Training Facility at NASA Johnson Space Center has been the training ground for every NASA astronaut. This tour offers a rare glimpse into this facility, where astronauts undergo rigorous training before missions.

Initially designed to support the space shuttle program, the facility has evolved to accommodate various training needs. Today, it houses exploration rover prototypes, robotics projects like Valkyrie, and modules for the International Space Station. It also serves as a testing ground for Orion, NASA's crewed space vehicle.

During the tour, visitors walk along an elevated path overlooking the training sessions and witness astronauts and engineers in action. The tour also includes a visit to Rocket Park, where one of only three Saturn V rockets is on display. The general admission cost to the Space Center Houston includes the open-air tour.

The George WS Abbey Rocket Park Tour at Space Center Houston enables guests to explore the center's impressive rockets collection, including one of only three remaining Saturn V rockets worldwide. The Saturn V stands as the tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever flown, which played a pivotal role in the Apollo program to send Americans to the Moon. Guests can observe the towering 363-foot tall rocket that boasts a staggering weight of 6.2 million pounds when fueled for launch. Guests learn about the stages of launch and flight as they discover how the Saturn V rocket functioned during its missions.

Serving as Houston's premier attraction and the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, it has welcomed over 25 million visitors since its inception in 1992 and receives 1.25 million visitors annually.

​A Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Houston Museum District Association (HMDA) is responsible for managing the interests of 20 museums all located within a nine-square-mile region of Houston. The zone has been recognized by the state government as a cultural district. Each museum under the aegis of the HMDA has a unique focus, such as the Health Museum.

Houston’s Health Museum is an extension of the Texas Medical Center. It is both a medical museum and an interactive science center. Popular attractions include the Amazing Body Pavilion, which allows visitors to walk through a larger-than-life exhibit of the human body, and You: The Exhibit, which uses advanced technology and effects to show museum patrons visions of their futures.

The Health Museum is also home to the city’s first 4D theater, the McGovern 4D Theater. Films shown at the theater include Planet You, a 3D exploration of human skin and the many microscopic creatures that live there.

Additional HMDA members include the Children’s Museum, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. More information about all HMDA museums and events can be found online at houmuse.org.

​One of the highlights at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals is a 3,000-carat topaz crystal. Topaz is a crystalline mineral within the silicate group with fluorine within its chemical makeup. Topaz forms as igneous rock cools when volatile gaseous elements such as hydroxyl group (OH) and fluorine emit during volcanic degassing and later magma cooling stages.

Forming within cavities and fractures of rocks that have already cooled, such as granite, rhyolite, and pegmatite, topaz crystals expand as hot hydrothermal fluids flow through the rock cracks. In Australia, professionals have found the mineral in granite-derived placer deposits or gravel carried by streams.

Topaz has been revered since ancient times, with Ancient Egyptians associating the golden color of the gemstone with Ra, the Sun God, and ancient Greeks associating it with strength. With topaz mined during the Middle Ages in Germany’s Erzgebirge Mountains, the mining epicenter shifted to Brazil’s Minas Gerais region in the 1730s, and the industry there remains significant. Beyond its use for jewelry and ornaments, topaz serves as the basis of refractory materials that hold their strength under elevated temperatures and are thus useful for industrial applications in furnaces, incinerators, and reactors.

​Mineralogists hoping to find a vacation spot that doubles as an opportunity to scout minerals can explore countries in the Middle East. Many consider the Middle East a super region since it has a wealth of minerals.

Most know that the Middle East has a wealth of oil, a mineral; the Middle East also has a considerable concentration of iron ore, phosphates, zinc, copper, gold, and potash. Iron ore, used for steel production, has fueled the region’s industrial growth, as Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have become the largest producers. Countries in the Middle East also contain large quantities of phosphates, used as fertilizer in agriculture. The reserves of phosphates reside in Morocco, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Regarding zinc, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia hold the largest reserves, used in construction, the automotive industry, electronics, and medicine. Copper, a mineral used in electronics, electricity, and transportation, widely resides in Iran. The Middle East also has extensive reserves of the precious metal gold found in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Finally, Jordan contains large quantities of the mineral potash, used as a key ingredient fertilizer in the Middle East.

Other minerals found in the Middle East include sulfur, bauxite (an ingredient in aluminum production), and natural gas.

​Natural history museums have existed since the nineteenth century and are most prevalent in America and the Western world. The origins of these venues can be traced back to collections that were popular in Europe during the Renaissance. Referred to as cabinets of curiosities, they often contained a diverse array of objects including ecological specimens, scientific instruments, works of art, and artifacts. Over time, the concept of the museum has evolved, with dedicated institutions emerging to focus specifically on the study of natural history and the display of specimens.

One of the earliest natural history museums in America was established by Charles Wilson Peale, a prominent figure in early American naturalism. His museum was initially located in Philadelphia, and showcased a wide range of natural specimens alongside portraits of leaders of the American Revolution. This museum laid the groundwork for future institutions dedicated to the study of nature.

The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846, and played a pivotal role in the development of natural history museums in the United States. It initially served as a center for scientific research, but gradually expanded its focus to include displays and preserved items. Under the leadership of Spencer Baird, the Smithsonian's first curator, the institution amalgamated a vast collection of flora and fauna from around the globe.

Natural history museums of the nineteenth century were often shaped by the efforts of hunter-naturalists like John James Audubon and Theodore Roosevelt. These individuals combined a passion for hunting with a deep appreciation for the natural world, and contributed specimens to museum collections while advocating for conservation efforts.

Despite their historical significance, many natural history museums face challenges today. Budget cuts and dwindling resources have led to the neglect of many museum collections and threatened their long-term preservation. Fortunately, advances in technology offer new opportunities for museums to digitize their collections and make them more accessible to researchers and the public. Collectively, these institutions continue to play a vital role in advancing our understanding of the natural world.

​Houston has become a vibrant metropolis known for its diverse culture and attractions, including the Houston Museum District comprising 20 venues within four walkable zones. Two top places nature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting include the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Located in the heart of the city, the Houston Zoo boasts a rich collection of over 6,000 animals from various corners of the globe. Animals living at the establishment include African lions, Asian elephants, California sea lions, and an array of other fascinating creatures. The zoo also offers guests various educational programs on conservation practices to protect endangered species.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers exhibits on astronomy, paleontology, energy, and chemistry. Visitors can also take in state-of-the-art planetarium shows in the theater. In addition to its main facility, the museum maintains two satellite locations. The George Observatory serves as home to one of the largest telescopes in the country used for public viewing. Then, Sugar Land features exhibits on dinosaurs, mineralogy, and exotic live insects.

Established in 1909, the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is home to diverse exhibits that highlight the marvels of the natural world and beyond. With more than two million visitors each year, the museum ranks just below the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco and New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History as the best-attended non-Smithsonian museum in the country.

Visitors to HMNS can experience the Cockrell Butterfly Center, a lush, tropical rainforest habitat enclosed in a glass cone. The center features thousands of butterflies, including many emerging from their chrysalises, highlighting important aspects of species' life cycles and habits. The center also houses an impressive collection of exotic insects worldwide.

Next, visitors might check out the 10,000-square-foot Hall of Ancient Egypt, which showcases many artifacts, including mummies, ancient tomb furniture, and intricate amulets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient Egyptians' mythology, religion, and daily life while marveling at well-preserved artifacts that provide invaluable insights into this era.

In the Wiess Energy Hall, visitors can explore a state-of-the-art exhibit offering an in-depth journey into the world of energy, its sources, consumption, and prospects. From traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy solutions, the hall provides a comprehensive understanding of the global energy landscape through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and captivating visualizations.

The Morian Hall of Paleontology invites visitors on a "prehistoric safari" through an extensive collection of ancient fossils and prehistoric specimens. The collection includes dinosaur skeletons like the awe-inspiring Tyrannosaurus rex and predators captured in action as they hunt and chase. The hall's immersive displays and life-like reconstructions make it a favorite among visitors of all ages, igniting a sense of wonder about Earth's distant past.

At the Burke Baker Planetarium, immersive shows and experiences bring the cosmos to life. Drawing on state-of-the-art technology, the planetarium offers a journey through the stars, exploring distant galaxies and showcasing celestial phenomena like never before. Current and recent shows include an oceanic journey through the world's coral reefs, a trip into the fascinating world of black holes, and a laser light show set to the music of Pink Floyd.

The HMNS is also home to the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, where visitors can observe more than 700 mineral specimens, including an 850-pound amethyst. The hall's collection includes a crystallized gold cluster, numerous gem-cut minerals, and priceless jewelry in the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault. These pieces came from natural stones cut into faceted gems designed by renowned jewelry designers like Ernesto Moreira.

History enthusiasts and art collectors should not miss the Fabergé: Royal Gifts Collection, which showcases the unique craftsmanship of the House of Fabergé. These art pieces feature intricate and opulent gifts exchanged by European royalty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes the renowned Fabergé eggs, each a masterpiece of luxury and creativity.

For residents and travelers passing through Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a rich opportunity for education and entertainment.

​A region rich in history, culture, and beautiful landscapes, the Middle East provides the perfect opportunity for travelers seeking an immersive experience. To take advantage of the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and tastes, consider this guide to create a memorable, rewarding trip.

Consider the best time to visit the region. The climate can vary significantly, with some areas experiencing scorching summers and mild winters. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally the most favorable seasons for travel, offering milder temperatures and pleasant weather.

Remember that certain religious events or festivals might also influence your travel plans, so check for any significant holidays in the countries you intend to visit. For example, if you visit a Muslim country during Ramadan, many restaurants and businesses may be closed during the day.

The Middle East is expansive, so you will likely need to narrow your scope depending on your trip length. The choices are abundant, from the grand pyramids of Egypt to the bustling markets of Marrakech and the modern skyline of Dubai. Consider your interests and preferences to select destinations that align with your travel goals.

Ensure you familiarize yourself with the cultural norms and customs of each country you plan to visit, as these can vary greatly. Consider booking an organized tour with a reputable operator, as this can take some of the stress and guesswork out of planning.

Visa regulations differ from country to country in the Middle East, so it's vital to research and understand the specific entry requirements for each destination. Countries like Egypt may grant visa-on-arrival facilities for certain nationalities, while others might require advance applications. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date, and keep a copy of important documents such as your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary in digital and physical formats.

In the Middle East, you can choose luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and traditional guesthouses. Research and book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Additionally, consider the most efficient and convenient modes of transportation between cities and countries. While some regions have excellent public transport networks, renting a car might suit remote areas.

As a visitor, it's essential to show respect for local customs, traditions, and religious practices. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of public displays of affection. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, and avoid discussions on sensitive political or religious topics.

Prioritize your health and safety during your trip. Before leaving, check with your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations and travel medications. Drink bottled water, avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, and maintain good hygiene practices. Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and local laws to avoid trouble during your journey.

Create a comprehensive budget including accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, and additional expenses. While some Middle Eastern countries can be relatively affordable, others may require a more generous budget. Be aware of the local currency and exchange rates, and carry a mix of cash and cards for convenience.

By planning your journey thoughtfully, embracing cultural sensitivity, and ensuring your health and safety, you'll be well-prepared to savor the wonders of the Middle East.