Science News

All Stories by Science News

  1. EarthFlight: Breathtaking Photographs from a Bird’s-Eye View of the World by John Downer

    30Cameras carried by hand, by gliders and by the creatures themselves give readers a literal bird’s-eye view of the world. Firefly Books, 2012, 240 p., $49.95

  2. In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations That Changed the World by Ian Stewart

    The author tells the stories of 17 equations, from Maxwell’s equations that led to modern TV and radio to algorithms that rattled the stock market. Basic Books, 2012, 342 p., $26.99

  3. Tutankhamen: The Search for an Egyptian King by Joyce Tyldesley

    An archaeologist explores myths surrounding the boy king and updates Tut fans on what experts have learned about his life and times. Basic Books, 2012, 316 p., $29.99

  4. BOOK REVIEW: Chasing Venus: The Race to Measure the Heavens by Andrea Wulf

    Review by Alexandra Witze.

  5. Letters

    Visions spark debate In “Visions for all” (SN: 4/7/12, p. 22), researchers found that functioning people who “hallucinated” God were high on the “absorption” scale and that 4 percent of people studied reported hallucinations. This reminded me that 4 percent of the population is grade V hypnotizable. All of these superhypnotizable people rate very high […]

  6. SN Online

    LIFE A study documents homicide among chimps. Read “Chimps show lethal side.” NASA, JPL-Caltech, UA ATOM & COSMOS Cameras spy a Martian dust devil in “Tall, devilish storm skids across Mars’ surface.” DELETED SCENES BLOG For two astrophysics studies, negative results were meaningful. See “A result of zero doesn’t always mean zero results.” A dairy […]

  7. Science Future for May 19, 2012

    May 26–27 The Mystery at the Museum tour has visitors meet characters and follow clues while visiting behind-the-scenes areas at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. See bit.ly/SFammyst June 5–6 See the transit of Venus across the sun, the last chance to see the event until 2117. The date and time […]

  8. Science Past from the issue of May 19, 1962

    HAPPY HOME LIFE, YEAR 2000 — It is the year 2000. Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Sr., prospering citizens of a prosperous America, have decided on a suitable wedding present for John, Jr…. They are going to let the boy have his old room in the Smith home, for keeps…. The room is detachable and […]

  9. SNAP: Seizing Your Aha! Moments by Katherine Ramsland

    This exploration of the neuroscience behind “aha” moments offers tips for increasing the odds of such spontaneous insights, or “snaps.” Prometheus Books, 2012, 283 p., $25

  10. Before the Lights Go Out: Conquering the Energy Crisis Before It Conquers Us by Maggie Koerth-Baker

    A journalist explores society’s energy options for the future, including technologies both old and new. Wiley, 2012, 225 p., $27.95

  11. The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards by William J. Broad

    A review of research shows the demonstrated benefits — and risks — of various yoga practices. Simon & Schuster, 2012, 298 p., $26

  12. Taste What You’re Missing: The Passionate Eater’s Guide to Why Good Food Tastes Good by Barb Stuckey

    Learn why bacon is so delicious and cilantro is not for everyone in this exploration of how the senses of taste, smell, hearing and sight influence the experience of food. Free Press, 2012, 407 p., $26