March 28, 2025
Mental health information on social media can be both revelatory and misleading. How do clinicians and their patients make sense of it? Plus, when a Chicago-size iceberg broke off of Antarctica, scientists studied the life and geologic formations hidden below. And, a music therapist reveals the best kinds of music to soothe a baby.
Why Race Could Color the Vote Against Obama
A new study shows hidden racial attitudes are playing a role in the 2012 presidential vote.
The Case for a Presidential Science Debate
A grassroots group is calling for a presidential debate based on science and technology issues.
‘The Garbage-Men’ Rock a Trashy Sound
The Garbage-Men prove one man’s trash is another man’s upright bass.
Cracking the Egg Sprinkler Mystery
When engineer Tadd Truscott was in grad school, one of his classmates at MIT suggested they spin an egg in a puddle of milk and film it with a high-speed camera.
How Buffett’s Cancer Is Shaping National Dialogue
One journalist says Warren Buffett’s decision to treat prostate cancer sets a bad precedent.
Mining Quarries Millions of Miles from Earth
A company aims to expand the world’s natural resource base by mining asteroids.
An Astronaut Explores NASA’s Scientific Frontiers
Astronaut and astrophysicist John Grunsfeld leads NASA’s investigations of Earth–and beyond.
The Idea Factory: How Bell Labs Created the Future
Jon Gertner writes of how Bell Labs became a hotspot for innovation in The Idea Factory.
A New Stage Play Tackles Athletes and Concussions
“Headstrong” looks at the high price some athletes pay for staying in the game.
Designing the Pied Piper of Fish
Maurizio Porfiri designed a robotic fish that attract real fish. Now he’s trying to understand why.
Pied Piper of Fish
Maurizio Porfiri wants to build robots that can herd fish like sheepdogs. Sound fishy?
How Movie Makers Use Science to Make Magic
From miniatures and matte paintings to motion capture, a look at how movie technology has changed.
Untangling The Hairy Physics Of Rapunzel
Kelly Ward, of Walt Disney Animation Studios, was tasked with bringing Rapunzel’s locks to life.
Exploring The Deepest, Darkest Spots On Earth
James Cameron, Sylvia Earle, and John McCosker talk about the sights and creatures of the deep ocean.
Designing a Bridge for Earthquake Country
Inside the world’s longest self-anchored suspension bridge being built in quake-prone San Francisco Bay.
Untangling the Hairy Physics of Rapunzel
The secret to animating hair? Physics. Kelly Ward, senior software engineer for Walt Disney Animation Studios, was responsible for bringing Rapunzel’s locks to life in Disney’s Tangled.
Living It Up In Space
Two NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station talk about life and the view from 220 miles above Earth.
Engineering for Success by Building on Failure
A new book explores why engineers should pay close attention to past failures when designing a new bridge or plane.
Marc Abrahams Makes Science Improbably Funny
The editor and co-founder of The Annals of Improbable Research talks about why some seemingly absurd science matters.
How Humans and Insects Conquered the Earth
E.O. Wilson discusses evolution and natural selection in The Social Conquest of Earth.