Science & Society

  1. A photo of Greta Thunberg standing with a sign with a group of people standing behind her.
    Climate

    Greta Thunberg’s new book urges the world to take climate action now

    Greta Thunberg's ‘The Climate Book’ covers the basic science of climate change, the history of denialism and inaction, environmental justice and solutions.

    By Erin Wayman
  2. An illustration of gardens in a courtyard, including green space on the roof of a walk way between glass buildings.
    Science & Society

    Many plans for green infrastructure risk leaving vulnerable people out

    Green infrastructure is one way to help combat climate hazards like flooding. But without equitable planning, only some communities will benefit.

    By Jude Coleman
  3. A large family sits around a table sharing a meal.
    Science & Society

    We prioritize family over self, and that has real-world implications

    Two studies show how family bonds improve personal and mental health, suggesting policy makers should shift away from individualistic mindsets.

    By Sujata Gupta
  4. A photo of a giant, 3,200-year-old statue of King Ramses II inside the Grand Egyptian Museum with constructions workers milling about.
    Science & Society

    Here are 7 new science museums and exhibitions to visit in 2023

    The Grand Egyptian Museum is slated to open, as well as new exhibitions dedicated to space travel, the Galápagos Islands and more.

    By Erin Wayman
  5. a pile of hard disk drives on a white background
    Environment

    Recycling rare earth elements is hard. Science is trying to make it easier

    As demand grows, scientists are inventing new — and greener — ways to recycle rare earth elements.

    By Erin Wayman
  6. orange water flows from a mine drain in in Pennsylvania
    Environment

    Rare earth elements could be pulled from coal waste

    The scheme would provide valuable rare earth metals and help clean up coal mining’s dirty legacy.

    By Erin Wayman
  7. A photo of China's maglev train as it comes into a station with several people standing at balcony of a nearby platform.
    Chemistry

    How rare earth elements’ hidden properties make modern technology possible

    Because of their unique chemistry, the rare earth elements can fine-tune light for many different purposes and generate powerful magnetic fields.

    By Nikk Ogasa
  8. A purple octopus as it sits on the ocean floor.
    Science & Society

    Sea life offers a lens for self-exploration in ‘How Far the Light Reaches’

    In a collection of essays profiling 10 marine animals, author Sabrina Imbler mixes in stories of their own family, self-discovery, sexuality and healing.

    By Aina Abell
  9. A woman with her head down and brown hair covering her face walking on the inside of a large red wheel.
    Science & Society

    Pandemic languishing is a thing. But is it a privilege?

    Positive psychologists contend that people can flourish if they try hard enough. But this pinnacle of well-being might not be so fully in our control.

    By Sujata Gupta
  10. A photo of Joseph L. Graves Jr., the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology.
    Science & Society

    Meet the first Black American to earn an evolutionary biology Ph.D.

    In ‘A Voice in the Wilderness,’ Joseph L. Graves Jr. discusses his scientific journey, how he debates racists, and more.

    By Susan Milius
  11. Five Black men, all wearing hats, stand near an old building
    Health & Medicine

    Medical racism didn’t begin or end with the syphilis study at Tuskegee

    Racism that fueled the syphilis study still permeates the U.S. health care system, causing disparities in access to medical care and health measures.

    By Aimee Cunningham
  12. A Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute staff member sifts through the debris of a classroom destroyed by a Russian missile
    Science & Society

    Here’s how Russia’s war in Ukraine is still reshaping global science

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted both local and global science.

    By Cassie Martin