Science & Society

  1. Earth

    The Sixth Extinction

    On only five occasions in Earth’s long history has a large fraction of the planet’s biodiversity disappeared in a geological instant. But, journalist Kolbert reminds us in her new book, we are well on our way to making it six.

    By
  2. Science & Society

    Naturalists at Sea

    For centuries after Columbus, the flora and fauna of the New World remained a mystery to Europeans. But in the 1600s and 1700s, explorers began to visit and describe what were then considered remote corners of the Earth.

    By
  3. Science & Society

    Figure skating judges get a 10 for duplicity

    Sport’s reform efforts have resulted in more nationalistic bias and vote trading.

    By
  4. Science & Society

    In a nuclear attack, there’s no avoiding the brutal math

    Knowing a few key numbers could help save your life if a nuclear bomb drops.

    By
  5. Science & Society

    Forty finalists selected in 2014 Intel Science Talent Search

    The 40 young scientists will visit Washington, D.C., March 6–12 to tour the White House and other national landmarks, present their research to judges and the public in a poster session at the headquarters of the National Geographic Society and attend a black-tie awards gala at the National Building Museum.

    By
  6. Science & Society

    Tracking fireballs for science

    Watching a meteor race across the night sky is a romantic experience. And now it can be a scientific one as well.

    By
  7. Ecosystems

    New Yorkers should relax about new roach species

    Japanese roaches may be able to survive in the cold, but the added competition and their decreased allergic potential may mean the roaches’ arrival isn’t all bad.

    By
  8. Tech

    Reader favorites of 2013

    For this issue, the editors selected the 25 most important and intriguing science stories of the year. But online readers seemed to point to a different bunch, showing just how subjective such an exercise can be.

    By
  9. Neuroscience

    Year in Review: Obama unveils brain initiative

    In April, the president announced an ambitious plan to reveal the human brain’s secrets.

    By
  10. Psychology

    Year in Review: DSM-5’s controversial debut

    The diagnostic manual updates disorder criteria.

    By
  11. Science & Society

    50 years later, it’s hard to say who named black holes

    In 1964, Science News Letter was the first publication to print the term black hole, but nobody is really sure who used the term first.

    By
  12. Science & Society

    Year in Review: High court rules against gene patents

    The justices’ decision opens the way for choices in DNA testing.

    By