How Science Fiction Inspired Science

06/04/19 Professor and writer David Toomey explains the surprising connections between the realm of science fiction and science fact, especially the ways in which sci-fi anticipated discoveries in real science.

The Social Context of Science

01/13/15 How culture influences science and why we should be aware of that relationship. David Kaiser

Biodiversity in the Sixth Mass Extinction

03/19/24 A prominent biologist explains the crucial importance of biodiversity for life on Earth, and how the sixth mass extinction fractures that stability. Michael Reed.

Human Language, Animal Communication

04/26/21 The evolution of the human language apparatus, comparison of human language and animal communication, and explanation of the Neanderthal language controversy. Philip Lieberman

Are Coastal Communities Prepared for Rising Seas?

07/31/20 Rising seas are already affecting many coastal cities and communities. How can we best prepare, and how fast? Erika Spanger-Siegfried

Journey to the Center of the Earth

11/05/13 What modern seismologists are learning about the Earth's interior. Miaki Ishii

How Nanotechnology is Revolutionizing Medicine

01/21/20 The unique features of the nano-scale are revolutionizing medical research and medical care. Here is the why and the how of that revolution. Sameer Sonkusale

Unraveling the Secrets of Viruses

05/17/11 Why are viruses so successful, and can we manage the bad ones? John Connor

How "Clean" Is Blue Hydrogen Energy?

01/11/22 Is the hype about blue hydrogen as a "clean" energy resource valid? A major investigation emphatically contradicts the "clean" claim. Robert Howarth

Innovations for the People: The GEAR Lab at MIT

10/19/20 The Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab produces cost-saving, practical innovations that make a real difference for developing nations: home-use desalination, drip irrigation -and many other solutions. Amos Winter

Today's Featured Contributors

Featured Author

Richard Primack, Ph.D.

Professor Primack's innovative textbooks incorporate information relevant to specific regions where the texts are used

Featured Guest

Otto Cordero, Ph.D.

An innovative scientist recognized especially for combining the physics-chemistry-biology aspects in the study of the development and evolution of microbial collectives.