Science & Society
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Psychology
A look at Rwanda’s genocide helps explain why ordinary people kill their neighbors
New research on the 1994 Rwanda genocide overturns assumptions about why people participate in genocide. A sense of duty, not blind obedience, drives many perpetrators.
- Science & Society
To combat cholera in Yemen, one scientist goes back to basics
As the cholera epidemic rages on in war-torn Yemen, basic hygiene is the first line of defense.
- Science & Society
Your solar eclipse experience can help science
The Aug. 21 total solar eclipse offers a rare opportunity for crowdsourced data collection on a spectacular celestial phenomenon.
- Genetics
Gene editing of human embryos gets rid of a mutation that causes heart failure
Gene editing of human embryos can efficiently repair a gene defect without making new mistakes.
- Science & Society
Does doom and gloom convince anyone about climate change?
New York magazine spurred conversation with a recent article on climate change. Will its apocalyptic approach have an impact?
- Astronomy
Balloons will broadcast the 2017 solar eclipse live from on high
Astrophysicist Angela Des Jardins is coordinating the first-ever livestream of a solar eclipse filmed from balloons.
- Earth
Expert eavesdroppers occasionally catch a break
Acting Editor in Chief Elizabeth Quill discusses the many ways we watch, listen and learn about science.
- Astronomy
‘Making Contact’ chronicles an astronomer’s struggle to find E.T.
For decades, astronomer Jill Tarter led the hunt for extraterrestrial intelligence, as detailed in a new biography.
- Chemistry
Radioactive substances leave electron ‘fingerprints’ behind
A new method of nuclear forensics could make it harder to handle radioactive material in secret.
- Science & Society
This history book offers excellent images but skimps on modern science
For an accessible account of mostly pre-20th century science, check out The Oxford Illustrated History of Science.
- Genetics
Resistance to CRISPR gene drives may arise easily
New tools for pest and disease control could become useless without improvements.
- Climate
Rising temperatures may mean fewer passengers on airplane flights
Global warming could force airplanes to carry a lighter load — and fewer passengers —on each flight.
