Science touches so many aspects of modern life that it’s hard to keep up. Through our programs and this website, Science for the Public provides up-to-date information about scientific innovations, discoveries, and issues that are shaping modern knowledge.
What's so important about an atmosphere? Find out here.
Many of the most important advances in scientific understanding were initially rejected or ignored.
In an era of global science, other nations are increasing their science budgets. Why aren't we?
The challenges of research on medical marijuana, as experienced by a UMass-Amherst scientist.
The many demands on emergency room staff include effective communication with highly stressed patients. This researcher seeks best approaches for communicating with the mentally ill in ER situations.
One of the best indicators that the universe began with a bang is the radiation it left behind...
Viruses, prions, bacteriophages ... all behave like living organisms but are not quite alive...
The acquisition of even one language is very complicated. But there are some --called hyperpolyglotals-- who learn dozens of languages. How does the brain do this?
Boston-area artists Susan Heideman and Michelle Lougee discuss their fascinating exhibit, "The Life of Forms."
Producers of perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFAS) withheld for decades the facts about the health and environmental threats of these ubiquitous toxins.
A visit to the Alan Jasanoff Lab at MIT to learn how brain scientists are developing new techniques and devices to improve brain imaging.
Structures and motions are governed by geometric rules.
New insights about dark matter, primordial black holes, and gravitational waves.
The anti-science mentality and policies threaten public health, environment, and safety --and also our progress in many scientific fields.
The origin of the heavy elements was not understood until the 1950s
From the beginning of the universe to complex life: an explanation of the development of the cosmos
Einstein completely changed our understanding of the universe...
A tour of the fascinating world of mushrooms. This is way beyond the supermarket.
a visit to the Barabási Lab at Northeastern University to learn how scale-free complex networks affect scientific perspectives
The complex relationship between marine life and the chemistry and circulation of oceans
The long struggle to commit the international community to prepare for the worldwide climate crisis
A world authority on how environmental toxins affect brain development brings the evidence to the general public.
A major breakthrough in the restoration of vision
Materials scientist Javier Fernandez discusses the "plastisphere" crisis and how it motivated the development of biodegradable "shrilk."
Desalination offers a solution to the water shortage problem...
The most significant collection of writings on biodiversity and health today
A researcher who represents the interdisiplinary approach to climate change