Editor s Selections: Plants, Ancient Homes, Amazonia, Stick Figures, Death, And The Plague

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Featured in my ResearchBlogging.org column this week:

  • First, a fantastic discussion that encompasses our relationship to the environment and the importance of local knowledge: visit Safari Ecology to learn about the importance of the plant Commelina to the Maasai.

  • The hop over to Originus to learn how archaeologists identify dwelling sites in the absence of physical remains.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


  • While we’re talking about space, Up and Down in Moxos investigates new claims that pre-Columbian Amazonia was a pretty happening place.

  • Now is a good time to pause and play a game — of pictionary! And while you’re atInkfish, you’ll learn how researchers evaluate cave drawings and assign meaning to the images.

  • There are no fun and games at Bones Don’t Lie, but there is a great discussion on dressing for the after life — you might want to carry your own make-up brushes though.

  • While your mindset is dark, stop at Contagions and learn how the plague became so deeply linked to the atmosphere and ethos of the period.

I'll be back next week with more from anthropology, philosophy, and research.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe