Reviews

  1. Science & Society

    Visualizing Earth’s past, finding numbers in nature, and more

    Exhibits at science museums around the country showcase the vastness of geologic time, whale evolution, life in ancient Maya civilization, and the mathematics hidden in nature.

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  2. Earth

    ‘Mass Extinction’ vivifies the science of die-offs

    The dinosaurs were killed off some 65 million years ago after a colossal asteroid struck Earth. But what many people probably don’t know is how paleontologists came to that conclusion. "Mass Extinction: Life at the Brink" tells that story.

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  3. Animals

    ‘Animal Weapons’ examines evolution of natural armor

    Biological arms races have led to the evolution of horns, tusks and other extreme armament in the natural world.

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  4. Psychology

    Mastering the art of self-control

    Walter Mischel, the psychologist behind the marshmallow test, discusses his new book on self-control and willpower.

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  5. Science & Society

    Two books explore winding path from basic science to useful invention

    ‘How We Got to Now’ and ‘Science Unshackled’ explain how basic scientific research can transform society in unexpected ways.

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  6. Cosmology

    ‘The Theory of Everything’ reveals Stephen Hawking’s personal side

    A new film explores love and science in the life of physicist Stephen Hawking.

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  7. Planetary Science

    ‘Mars Rover Curiosity’ chronicles robot’s journey

    Engineer Rob Manning recounts the decade of victories and setbacks that preceded Curiosity’s landing on Mars.

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  8. Animals

    ‘Planet of the Bugs’ reveals the secrets to insects’ success

    Entomologist Scott Richard Shaw explores the evolution of insects and how they came to rule the world.

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  9. Ecosystems

    Help scientists find floating forests of kelp

    By looking for signs of kelp in satellite images, citizen scientists can help researchers keep track of the world’s seaweed forests.

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  10. Health & Medicine

    Interactive map tracks obesity in the United States

    An interactive online map illustrates the rise in U.S. obesity since 1990.

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  11. Environment

    Human ingenuity takes on Mother Nature in ‘The Big Ratchet’

    Geographer Ruth DeFries explains how technological innovations have allowed humans to overcome environmental challenges throughout history.

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  12. Science & Society

    ‘Fantastic Lab’ recounts battle against typhus, Nazis

    Arthur Allen explores how two European scientists produced typhus vaccines during World War II.

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