Climate change expert Rob Bellamy believes that solar geoengineering has enormous potential, but the risks are real.
The Uncharted World of Emerging Pathogens
In their quest to detect early outbreaks, virus hunters are sampling environmental DNA in water, dirt, and air.
In their quest to detect early outbreaks, virus hunters are sampling environmental DNA in water, dirt, and air.
Environmental DNA Is Everywhere. Scientists Are Gathering It All
The ability to extract trace bits of DNA from soil, water, and even air is revolutionizing science. Are there pitfalls?
The ability to extract trace bits of DNA from soil, water, and even air is revolutionizing science. Are there pitfalls?
Opinion: Why Doctors Avoid Talking with Patients About Gun Safety
Physicians cite many reasons for not talking about firearm safety with patients. It’s time they make it a priority.
Physicians cite many reasons for not talking about firearm safety with patients. It’s time they make it a priority.
How a Nuclear Weapons Lab Helped Crack a Serial-Killer Case
A prominent forensic science center played a crucial role in helping to solve a notorious 1990s murder case.
A prominent forensic science center played a crucial role in helping to solve a notorious 1990s murder case.
Rise of the Lone Star Tick Brings New Disease Threats
As the arachnid expands northward, it’s bringing novel maladies, from a meat allergy to the Bourbon virus.
As the arachnid expands northward, it’s bringing novel maladies, from a meat allergy to the Bourbon virus.
Book Review: Decoding the Reign of the Algorithm
In “Filterworld,” Kyle Chayka explores the many ways digital advances have reshaped our lives, and the implications.
In “Filterworld,” Kyle Chayka explores the many ways digital advances have reshaped our lives, and the implications.
Lawyers and Legal Reformers Are Keeping a Close Eye on AI
Will chatbots and other machine learning tools make the legal system more equitable for those seeking civil justice?
Will chatbots and other machine learning tools make the legal system more equitable for those seeking civil justice?
The Hidden Racial Bias in U.S. Lung Cancer Screening Policy
A 2019 study found that screening eligibility rules disproportionately excluded Black smokers. Little has changed since.
A 2019 study found that screening eligibility rules disproportionately excluded Black smokers. Little has changed since.
When Addiction Treatment Fails, Can a Brain Implant Succeed?
Some experts tout deep brain stimulation as a lifeline for people struggling with opioid use. Others question the hype.
Some experts tout deep brain stimulation as a lifeline for people struggling with opioid use. Others question the hype.
Book Review: How to Confront the Fear of Cancer
In “Curing Cancerphobia,” risk expert David Ropeik argues that we are overscreening and overtreating the feared disease.
In “Curing Cancerphobia,” risk expert David Ropeik argues that we are overscreening and overtreating the feared disease.
How the World’s Deadliest Crises Go Unseen
In the Central African Republic, researchers found an astronomical death rate. Could a major emergency be invisible?
In the Central African Republic, researchers found an astronomical death rate. Could a major emergency be invisible?
The Burgeoning Science of Search and Rescue
By analyzing reports of people who got off-track, researchers are advancing the science of “lost person behavior.”
By analyzing reports of people who got off-track, researchers are advancing the science of “lost person behavior.”
Book Review: The Secrets of Earth’s ‘Silvery Sister’
Earth may orbit the sun, but Rebecca Boyle argues that our planet cannot be understood without considering the moon.
Earth may orbit the sun, but Rebecca Boyle argues that our planet cannot be understood without considering the moon.
Opinion: Embracing Uncertainty When Searching for Life Beyond Earth
The many unknowns about detecting life on Mars and other planets shouldn’t undermine support for space exploration.
The many unknowns about detecting life on Mars and other planets shouldn’t undermine support for space exploration.
The Unseen Barriers Around Bathroom Breaks in the Field
Taboos around toilet care can make fieldwork uncomfortable and even dangerous. Some scientists want that to change.
Taboos around toilet care can make fieldwork uncomfortable and even dangerous. Some scientists want that to change.