Feature

Tech

Memory Enhancers

Engineers take aim at increasing the density of data storage on magnetic media.

Astronomy

Getting the GOODS on Galaxies

A coordinated effort among the most powerful space and ground-based observatories to stare in detail at the same two patches of sky is revealing how galaxies assembled, how rapidly star formation proceeded in the early universe, and whether dark energy has recently revved up the expansion of the universe.

Math

Unlocking Puzzling Polygons

Proof settles a wickedly prickly question about unfurling crinkly polygons.

Math

Infinite Wisdom

A mathematician has proposed a new approach to resolve a long-standing question about infinite sets of numbers.

Tech

Mind-Expanding Machines

Researchers have designed computer systems aimed at amplifying human thought and perception, such as a new type of cockpit display for aircraft pilots that exploits the power of peripheral vision.

Health & Medicine

Predicting Prostate Cancer’s Moves

To guide treatment decisions in individual cases of prostate cancer, medical researchers are using gene-expression profiling and other novel techniques to develop better predictive markers of how a given tumor will behave.

Earth

On Shifting Ground

In earthquake-prone areas of the United States and elsewhere in the world, debates go on over whether—and how much—to reinforce buildings.

Humans

In Search of a Scientific Revolution

A year after self-publishing a best-selling book in which he proposes a new framework for doing science, Stephen Wolfram is taking new steps to transform science.

Health & Medicine

Blood Sugar Fix

A new class of experimental drugs that mimic the actions of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 shows benefits against type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes.