Spider in the Telescope: The Mechanization of Astronomy
John Flamsteed’s vision of an astronomer's skill set clashed with existing ideas about observing, paving the way for a new mindset based on mechanical objectivity.
NASA’s Europa Clipper
The spacecraft will investigate whether an icy moon of Jupiter can support alien life.
Archimedes Rediscovered: Technology and Ancient History
Advanced imaging technologies help scholars reveal and share lost texts from the ancient world.
The Strange Experiments of Henry Cavendish
Cavendish was an idiosyncratic scientist who conducted fascinating experiments, such as “weighing” the Earth and splitting water into its constituent elements.
Bye-Bye, Russian Gas!
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sparked an energy revolution, forcing European states to reconsider their dependence on Russian oil imports.
“Follow the Salt”: A New Strategy for Finding Life on Mars
Scientists might be looking for Martian life in the wrong place.
What Is the Cost of Sustainability?
In a global financial system dedicated to profits, a growing number of voices are suggesting that sustainable practices can pay off financially.
Hooray, Hooray for Badger Day!!
Striped-faced, short-legged badgers appear in folklore and tall tales around the world.
Francis Bacon’s Fables of Life Extension
In his retellings of ancient myths, Bacon called for research to extend human lifespans, but only if those longer lives were spent in the pursuit of knowledge.
Before Brita: A Brief History of Water Filtration
From ancient Egypt to post-industrial London, societies have long recognized the benefits of clean water and—mostly—have done what they can to provide it.