Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- 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.
- 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.
- Science & Society
Figure skating judges get a 10 for duplicity
Sport’s reform efforts have resulted in more nationalistic bias and vote trading.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Neuroscience
Year in Review: Obama unveils brain initiative
In April, the president announced an ambitious plan to reveal the human brain’s secrets.
- Psychology
Year in Review: DSM-5’s controversial debut
The diagnostic manual updates disorder criteria.
- 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.
- Science & Society
Year in Review: High court rules against gene patents
The justices’ decision opens the way for choices in DNA testing.
