Science & Society
- Animals
The giraffes that sailed to medieval China
Chinese exploration of the world is often left out of Western textbooks (at least it was left out of mine), but for a brief period, from 1405 to 1433, the Chinese under Ming emperor Yongle sent out numerous trade missions that reached as far as present-day Kenya. During the fourth expedition, which left China in 1413, part of the fleet led by commander Zheng He sailed to Bengal in India, where in 1414 they met envoys from the African coastal state of Malindi (now part of Kenya). The men from Malindi had brought with them as tribute giraffes, and they gave one of those giraffes to the Chinese, who took it home.
- Science & Society
A new look and other fruits of our digital experiments
Science News has reinvented itself many times over the decades, and while our latest incarnation pushes us into the digital future, our mission remains unchanged: to translate the latest advances of science into an easy-to-read form.
- Science & Society
Feedback
Readers respond to our stories 'Distracted Driving' and 'Ratio of a good life exposed as ‘nonsense’'
- Health & Medicine
Home births more risky than hospital deliveries
Babies born at home are more likely to lack pulse after five minutes.
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- Science & Society
Coming soon: Science News any way you want it
On October 2, we will launch a new and expanded Science News website. And starting with the October 19 issue, all print subscribers will have access to a new iPad version of Science News, at no additional charge. You’ll also notice a smart new look for the magazine.
- Science & Society
The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Hermann Goring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII by Jack El-Hai.
- Science & Society
Impactful Distraction
Talking while driving poses dangers that people seem unable to see.
- Science & Society
HeLa genome offers clues to cells’ cancerous nature
The genetic sequence is published along with an agreement to protect the privacy of the family of the cells’ provider, Henrietta Lacks.
- Science & Society
Flu researchers plan to repeat controversial work
The scientists who made the H5N1 strain transmissible between ferrets intend to do the same with H7N9.
- Science & Society
Brilliant Blunders
From Darwin to Einstein - Colossal Mistakes by Great Scientists That Changed Our Understanding of Life and the Universe by Mario Livio.
- Science & Society
Math targets cities’ essence
New formula relates city size to infrastructure, productivity.
