The Real Science of the Multiverse
Explaining some of the mind-bending science behind the popular science fiction trope.
The Ecological Prescience of Dune
Frank Herbert’s novel isn't just about space messiahs, giant sandworms, and trippy space drugs. At its core, the sci-fi epic is about ecology.
The Evolution of the Mad Scientist
The crazed caricature of genius was largely inspired by now-debunked late-Victorian ideas about how species change.
Coping with Climate Anxiety
A psychologist suggests ways of giving young people hope for the future of the planet—and themselves.
New York City, Underwater
Climate change is transforming the Big Apple. How long will it be until America’s largest city is all but wiped off the map?
William Dampier, Pirate Scientist
An oft-overlooked explorer who traversed the globe, driven by his thirst for scientific discovery—and a love of piracy.
The Hidden History of Biology Textbooks
American biology textbooks supposedly became less scientific after the Scopes trial. One scholar argues that this isn't the whole story.
How Computer Science Became a Boys’ Club
Women were the first computer programmers. How, then, did programming become the domain of bearded nerds and manly individualists?
Policing the Bodies of Women Athletes Is Nothing New
For women who play sports, there's often no way to win.