Notebook

Science & Society

50 years ago, the United States wanted to deflate the helium stockpile

An attempt to dismantle the Federal Helium Reserve in 1971 failed. Fifty years later, the U.S. government is still determined to run out of gas.

Space

50 years ago, experiments hinted at the possibility of life on Mars

In 1971, lab experiments suggested organic molecules could be made on Mars. Fifty years later, robots are searching for such signs of life on the planet itself.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, researchers treated chronic pain with electricity

In 1971, doctors eased chronic pain by sending electrical impulses to the spinal cord.