Science Media Beset With Gender Gaps
In the fall of 2005, I and a couple hundred other new students at Columbia University's journalism school walked into a lecture hall for a series of welcome speeches, and two things happened that impressed me.
The Philosophy of Guessing Has Harmed Physics, Expert Says
As readers of this blog know, late last spring I spoke at a cool conference in England called How the Light Gets In, where I hung out with all kinds of professional reality-ponderers.
Shakespeare and Science, Part 2
Dan Falk discusses his latest book, The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright's Universe
Shakespeare and Science, Part 1
Dan Falk discusses his latest book, The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright's Universe
To End War, Focus on Culture Rather than "Root Causes"
Last week, on the same day that McSweeney’s Books published a new, paperback edition of my book The End of War, I argued that we must and can end war and militarism, our most urgent problems.
Crop Diversity Is Key to Agricultural Climate Adaptation
News out of Harvard suggests that not only will climate change affect how food is grown, but it will also lower the nutrition levels of what is grown—wheat, corn and rice in particular.
Scientists Finally Catch On to Social Media
A survey explores why large academic social networks have taken off to a degree that no one expected a few years ago
This Week in World War I: August 15, 1914
Germany’s Opening Gambit The German attack on Belgium and France, starting on August 4, 1914, was designed to deliver a crushing blow to the French armies before the Russians and British could mobilize; after defeating the French, the Germans planned to use their extensive railway system to rush their forces to the eastern front to [...]
World’s Greatest Engineering Project Turns 100
The Panama Canal opened officially a century ago
Egyptian Mummification Began Earlier than Thought, Wrappings Reveal
I want to talk about patterns. We take them for granted but they shape our lives. That morning coffee you need to start your day has more meaning than you think.
Iranian Woman Nabs Highest Prize in Mathematics
Maryam Mirzakhani is among four young researchers to win the 2014 Fields medals, which are awarded every four years
How John Muir's Brand of Conservation Led to the Decline of Yosemite
In July 1929 a frail, elderly woman quietly processed acorns on the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Her weather worn face appeared thin, yet firm like crumpled paper.