An original essay from 1939.

Prum speaks on Darwin’s idea of sexual selection, the importance of arbitrary traits, and why he could never choose a favorite species of bird.

When did heaviness and curviness in women become connected with the idea of "savagery"? It has a lot to do with 19th-century imperialist world views.

The slightly disgusting secret ingredient that has historically made food dye, lipstick, and even the cloaks of Roman Catholic cardinals so vibrant.

Betty Boop was literally designed to be a bombshell, but around 1935, her creators decided to change her appearance.

Concentrations of iron manganese nuggets and other metals in the deep seabed have stirred up interest in mining. But at what cost?

It's hard to know how to respond to imaginative play that looks violent. Some experts say it's best to go ahead and let little kids play superhero anyway.

Japanese women are protesting the widespread policy of mandatory high heels at work.

Machines can write compelling ad copy and solve complex "real life" problems. Should the creative class be worried?

To prevent several millions tons of plastic from flushing into the ocean every year, engineers are paving roads with it.