Feature
- Science & Society
Marie Tharp’s groundbreaking maps brought the seafloor to the world
In part because of her gender, Tharp was the right person in the right place at the right time to make the first detailed maps of the ocean’s bottom.
- Earth
How the Earth-shaking theory of plate tectonics was born
Plate tectonics explains many of Earth’s geologic wonders and natural hazards — and may hold clues to the evolution of life.
- Science & Society
How schools can reduce excessive discipline of Black students
Black middle and high school students miss four times as much school as white children due to suspensions. What can be done to shrink the gap?
- Science & Society
What will life be like after the coronavirus pandemic ends?
Researchers offer a range of perspectives on the possible long-term social consequences of COVID-19.
- Science & Society
Meet 5 Black researchers fighting for diversity and equity in science
Here are a few of the people out to improve the professional lives of Black researchers.
- Science & Society
These 6 graphs show that Black scientists are underrepresented at every level
In the U.S., Black people are underrepresented in STEM fields, both as students and in the workforce.
- Science & Society
Hear from people taking action against COVID-19
Researchers, a health care worker, a clinical trial volunteer and others share their experiences during the pandemic.
- Health & Medicine
As 2020 comes to an end, here’s what we still don’t know about COVID-19
After making fast progress understanding COVID-19, researchers are still in search of answers.
- Space
December’s stunning Geminid meteor shower is born from a humble asteroid
Most meteor showers arise from comets, but the robust Geminid shower comes from an asteroid, Phaethon, which scientists are still trying to figure out.
- Astronomy
Betelgeuse went dark, but didn’t go supernova. What happened?
Astronomers are anxious to learn why Betelgeuse, one of the brightest stars in the sky, dimmed dramatically, but didn’t explode, in 2019.
- Animals
On a cool night in Malaysia, scientists track mysterious colugos across the treetops
Our reporter tags along for nighttime observations of these elusive gliding mammals.
- Physics
Giant lasers help re-create supernovas’ explosive, mysterious physics
For the first time, scientists have re-created a type of shock wave that occurs in supernovas.
