Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Science & Society
How past disasters can help us prepare for the future
In The Big Ones, seismologist Lucy Jones examines the science behind some of the most catastrophic natural disasters in human history.
- Science & Society
New spending bill mostly boosts money for science research
Here’s a quick look at how science agencies fared in the newly passed spending package.
- Science & Society
Why science still can’t pinpoint a mass shooter in the making
Arguments flare over mass public shootings that remain scientifically mysterious.
- Science & Society
Why it’s great to have a geologist in the house
Editor in Chief Nancy Shute enthuses about learning how ancient plans may have helped make Earth muddy.
- Science & Society
Kids are starting to picture scientists as women
An analysis of studies asking kids to draw a scientist finds that the number of females drawn has increased over the last 50 years.
- Tech
First pedestrian death from a self-driving car fuels safety debate
A self-driving Uber kills woman in Arizona in the first fatal pedestrian strike by an autonomous car.
- Earth
Will Smith narrates ‘One Strange Rock,’ but astronauts are the real stars
Hosted by Will Smith, ‘One Strange Rock’ embraces Earth’s weirdness and explores the planet’s natural history.
- Science & Society
What we can and can’t say about Arctic warming and U.S. winters
Evidence of a connection is growing stronger, but scientists still struggle to explain why.
- Neuroscience
How biology breaks the ‘cerebral mystique’
The Biological Mind rejects the idea of the brain as the lone organ that makes us who we are. Our body and environment also factor in, Alan Jasanoff says.
- Science & Society
What we do and don’t know about how to prevent gun violence
Background checks work to prevent gun violence; concealed carry and stand-your-ground laws don’t. But lack of data makes it hard to make other links.
- Science & Society
Discussing what matters when facts are not enough
Editor in Chief Nancy Shute reflects on finding common ground with science and policy.
- Tech
On Twitter, the lure of fake news is stronger than the truth
An analysis of more than 4.5 million tweets discussing false and true stories reveals that in the Twittersphere, fake news gets more views.
