Column
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Humans
Here’s why COVID-19 isn’t seasonal so far
Human immunity and behavior may be more important than weather for driving seasonality when it comes to COVID-19.
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Animals
A bird flu outbreak is sweeping the globe. Its long-term effects are unclear
A reporter’s recent trip to the Galápagos offered a chance to reflect on the bird flu outbreak, which has killed millions of birds and other animals.
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What a parrot knows, and what a chatbot doesn’t
Editor in chief Nancy Shute discusses AI chatbots' vulnerabilities and the intelligence of parrots.
By Nancy Shute -
Bringing scientists’ stories out of the shadows
Editor in chief Nancy Shute spotlights scientist Emma Rotor's contributions to weapons research in World War II.
By Nancy Shute -
Climate
COP28 is making headlines. Here’s why the focus on methane matters
Here’s one takeaway from COP28: Deep cuts to methane are essential to meet the Paris Agreement goals. That’s still possible.
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Under the jungle, a more pluralistic Maya society
Editor in chief Nancy Shute discusses how new scientific discoveries are rewriting the history of Maya society
By Nancy Shute -
Science & Society
Why the Thanksgiving myth persists, according to science
The science of collective memory — and a desire for clear origin stories — may explain the endurance of the Thanksgiving myth despite a messier reality.
By Sujata Gupta -
Scientific meetings — it’s nice to see you again
Executive editor Elizabeth Quill discusses the importance of covering scientific meetings.
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The early women who shaped science journalism
Editor in chief Nancy Shute discusses the pioneering women who helped create and transform science journalism.
By Nancy Shute -
The challenges of seeing the profusion of tiny life
Editor in chief Nancy Shute marvels at the diversity of tiny life-forms known as protists.
By Nancy Shute -
Reimagining electricity as a depression treatment
Editor in chief Nancy Shute discusses the use of deep brain stimulation to treat severe depression.
By Nancy Shute -
Sewers provide solutions to public health data gaps
Editor in chief Nancy Shute discusses how scientists are looking to wastewater to track COVID-19 and other diseases.
By Nancy Shute