Feature

  1. Earth

    Clipping the Fin Trade

    New research and policy developments aim to curb the wasteful and gruesome practice of killing sharks solely for their fins.

    By Janet Raloff
  2. Tech

    Ribbon to the Stars

    Advances in one of the tiniest of technologies—carbon nanotubes—is bringing the concept of a space elevator closer to reality.

    By Ron Cowen

  3. A Man’s Job

    Sperm contain an unexpected payload of RNA, a discovery offering insight into infertility, cloning, and contraception.

    By John Travis

  4. Get Rid of the Bodies

    Scientists are learning how organisms safely clear out cell corpses.

    By John Travis
  5. Materials Science

    Materials with Memory

    Metal alloys and polymers that can remember a preprogrammed shape may literally reshape technologies ranging from warfare to medicine and car repair.