Feature

Space

Solar storms can wreak havoc. We need better space weather forecasts

Solar storms can devastate power grids and other systems on Earth. We need better forecasting

Health & Medicine

How 5 universities tried to handle COVID-19 on campus

U.S. colleges opened in the fall with a patchwork of control measures to keep COVID-19 at bay.

Science & Society

Can privacy coexist with technology that reads and changes brain activity?

An onslaught of new technology aims to listen to — and maybe even change — your brain activity. Readers, scientists and ethicists grapple with the ethical implications of new ways to get inside the skull.

Cosmology

Einstein’s theory of general relativity unveiled a dynamic and bizarre cosmos

Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity foretold space-bending beasts, cosmic shock waves and mysterious forces.

Chemistry

Chemists are reimagining recycling to keep plastics out of landfills

Recycling plastics is really hard, and usually creates low-quality materials that aren’t good for much. Chemists are trying to change that.

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

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

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

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.