Oh, I just play with uranium ore in my free time, nbd

This story about boy genius Taylor Wilson is so amazingly good that I read it through twice without stopping. It sounds like the plot to a Chuck Palahniuk book: Wunderkinder fascinated with radioactivity decides to build a nuclear reactor. However, instead of then massacring a small city, he successfully finds a team of supporters in his parents, the University of Nevada, and even the Department of Homeland Security. Typically, I'd be envious of this kid's miraculous intelligence and drive to succeed. But I'm not. I cannot even imagine the struggle Taylor had trying to find ways to entertain and challenge himself in public school. Usually these stories are sad because the protagonist is socially awkward and unable to express and explain their desires to us "normal" folks. Taylor Wilson, though, is sociable AND a genius. I'm in awe and it gives me hope that people like this come along at all, love science, and have the brains and the drive to change the world. 

Read the full article from PopSci here.