Materials scientists are cooking up environmentally friendly polymers from natural sources like silk, plant fibers and whole algae. Economics and acceptance remain hurdles.
Losing the Connection Between the Andes and the Amazon: A Price of Peace in Colombia
The South American country, where the biodiversity of the Andes meets that of the Amazon, is losing the great natural wealth of some 1,500 square kilometers of forest each year, mainly in areas formerly under guerrilla control
The South American country, where the biodiversity of the Andes meets that of the Amazon, is losing the great natural wealth of some 1,500 square kilometers of forest each year, mainly in areas formerly under guerrilla control
Why Probation and Parole Don’t Work as Advertised
The current system of supervised release in lieu of imprisonment may do more harm than good, some experts say. How can society do a better job of rehabilitating law-breakers while keeping them from re-offending?
The current system of supervised release in lieu of imprisonment may do more harm than good, some experts say. How can society do a better job of rehabilitating law-breakers while keeping them from re-offending?
All About Cholesterol
The latest science on how blood levels of HDL, LDL and more relate to cardiovascular health
The latest science on how blood levels of HDL, LDL and more relate to cardiovascular health
A New Look at Our Linguistic Roots
Linguists and archaeologists have argued for decades about where, and when, the first Indo-European languages were spoken, and what kind of lives those first speakers led. A controversial new analytic technique offers a fresh answer.
Linguists and archaeologists have argued for decades about where, and when, the first Indo-European languages were spoken, and what kind of lives those first speakers led. A controversial new analytic technique offers a fresh answer.
Soda Taxes Can’t Reverse the Obesity Epidemic
OPINION: They might be able to help, but only if well-designed and in combination with other policies
OPINION: They might be able to help, but only if well-designed and in combination with other policies
The Hidden Threat From Rising Coastal Groundwater
OPINION: Sea level rise won’t hit just homes on shorefronts, but also the infrastructure beneath our feet
OPINION: Sea level rise won’t hit just homes on shorefronts, but also the infrastructure beneath our feet
Lessons From Sports Psychology Research
Scientists are probing the head games that influence athletic performance, from coaching to coping with pressure
Scientists are probing the head games that influence athletic performance, from coaching to coping with pressure
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs: Trickier Than Ever
The blood-sucking insects now show up in two varieties and are resistant to many pesticides. New eradication strategies include fungal spores and nasty human odors.
The blood-sucking insects now show up in two varieties and are resistant to many pesticides. New eradication strategies include fungal spores and nasty human odors.
Indigenous Languages Are Founts of Environmental Knowledge
Peoples who live close to nature have a rich lore of plants, animals and landscapes embedded in their mother tongues — which may hold vital clues to protecting biodiversity.
Peoples who live close to nature have a rich lore of plants, animals and landscapes embedded in their mother tongues — which may hold vital clues to protecting biodiversity.
Forests Are Under Attack from Invasive Species
OPINION: International commerce and travel bring ecological destruction to the world’s most cherished natural places. We need to do more to stop the assault.
OPINION: International commerce and travel bring ecological destruction to the world’s most cherished natural places. We need to do more to stop the assault.
How Shade Coffee Lends Conservation a Hand
When managed in the right way, the farms that provide our morning brew can be a refuge for plant and animal biodiversity
When managed in the right way, the farms that provide our morning brew can be a refuge for plant and animal biodiversity
We Urgently Need Data for Equitable Personalized Medicine
OPINION: A massive bias in medical studies toward men of European origin means that genetic variants in understudied populations don’t get the focus they deserve
OPINION: A massive bias in medical studies toward men of European origin means that genetic variants in understudied populations don’t get the focus they deserve
How Gut Bacteria Connect to Parkinson’s Disease
Growing evidence suggests a link between the debilitating neurological illness and the microbes that live in our intestines. The vagus nerve may be a pathway.
Growing evidence suggests a link between the debilitating neurological illness and the microbes that live in our intestines. The vagus nerve may be a pathway.
The Growing Link Between Microbes, Mood and Mental Health
New research suggests that to maintain a healthy brain, we should tend our gut microbiome. The best way to do that right now is not through pills and supplements, but better food.
New research suggests that to maintain a healthy brain, we should tend our gut microbiome. The best way to do that right now is not through pills and supplements, but better food.
Scientists Scrutinize Happiness Research
Studies claiming to reveal strategies for feeling happy get a second look.
Studies claiming to reveal strategies for feeling happy get a second look