Observations
Masks and Emasculation: Why Some Men Refuse to Take Safety Precautions
They think it makes them look weak, and avoiding that is evidently more important to them than demonstrating responsible behavior
Blogs
Observations
How a Landmark Physics Paper from the 1970s Uncannily Describes the COVID-19 Pandemic
Phil Anderson’s article “More Is Different” describes how different levels of complexity require new ways of thinking. And as the virus multiplies and spreads, that’s just what the human race desperately needs...
Observations
The Fight against COVID-19 Threatens to Cause Collateral Health Damage
The pandemic is no excuse to abandon chronic disease management and prevention
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Observations
Fighting Wildfires with Computer Models
Prescribed burns can remove excess fuel from the forest floor, and algorithms can help fire crews know where to set them
Observations
Climate Migrants within the U.S. Will Need a Strong Health System
We must ensure continuity of care for Americans who will be displaced from agricultural regions and coastal cities
Observations
Playing Offense and Defense on Climate at the Same Time
We need to focus on responses to climate change that both reduce emissions and help people cope with an altered environment
Voices
The Hidden Figure in Climate Science
John Tyndall is credited with the link between carbon dioxide and climate—but Eunice Newton Foote got there first
Rosetta Stones
GeoBits: The Astounding Volcanism of Other Worlds
The volcanoes on other worlds make our wildest fire mountains look positively tame
Roots of Unity
Should We Eat Less Rice?
Digging into the statistics about rice farming and climate change
Illusion Chasers
When a Still Life Comes Alive
This artist’s paintings walk among us
Extinction Countdown
“A Complete Enigma”—New Zealand Lizard Declared Extinct 130 Years after Only Sighting
But here’s the good news: new research finds it was actually six different species, and five still exist—for now
Beautiful Minds
Emotionally Extreme Experiences, Not Just “Positive” or “Negative” Experiences, Are More Meaningful in Life
Peak emotional experiences are the most meaningful ones in our lives
Cross-Check
Genealogical Anxiety
Pondering the origins of your beliefs and yourself can be the first step toward making a better world...
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STAFFIllustrating science since 1845
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A Blog About the Weird Wonderfulness of Life on Earth
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