The Potential Pros and Cons of Seabed Mining
Concentrations of iron manganese nuggets and other metals in the deep seabed have stirred up interest in mining. But at what cost?
Why Playing Superhero Is Good for Kids
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.
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Creative?
Machines can write compelling ad copy and solve complex "real life" problems. Should the creative class be worried?
Why Plastic Roads Lead to a Cleaner Ocean
To prevent several millions tons of plastic from flushing into the ocean every year, engineers are paving roads with it.
Early Mexican Immigrants Blurred Color Lines in the Southern U.S.
In the 1920s, Mexican immigrants to the United States challenged the country's notions of who was white and who was not.
Climate Change and the Endangered Species Act
The Trump administration has moved to significantly weaken the ESA, limiting consideration of climate change when identifying species as endangered.
The Complex Economics of Medieval Convents
Medieval convents were better funded than many scholars assume, thanks in part to royal patrons sympathetic to the holy women's mission.
The Internet Is Rotting—Let’s Embrace It
Forgetting is beneficial for the human brain. But the internet has made it harder to let go of painful or problematic memories.
Get Ready For Human-Animal Hybrids
New progress in stem-cell research raises some thorny ethical questions.
The Ancient Roots of Apple Cider
Alcoholic apple cider has been around for centuries. So why does "hard cider" feel like a new trend?