Reconstructing the Evolution of Stars

01/24/17 How astronomers read the evolution of the universe through the chemistry of the stars. Robert Simcoe

Is Earth Exceptional?

02/18/25 Is there life beyond Earth? So far, despite the discovery that there are billions of planets in our galaxy, and our increasingly sophisticated probes for life, we still don’t know. Life and the conditions for its emergence are both very complex phenomena. Mario Livio

Mass Extinctions

04/09/19 What caused Earth's five mass extinctions --and most important--are we headed for a sixth? Andrew Knoll

Antarctic Fishes: Models for Climate Change and Human Disease

07/09/13 the unique "antifreeze" blood and skeletal mutations of the Antarctic Icefishes provide insights into both climate change adaptations and human disease. H. William Detrich, III

A Brief History of Earth: Four Billion Years in Eight Chapters

08/23/21 In his latest book for the general public, an esteemed geologist makes the dynamics of our planet and its lifeforms accessible to all. A must-read for all who care about our Earth. Andrew Knoll

Earth and Humans: A Planetary Perspective

05/06/14 A distinguished authority on Earth's geochemical systems explains the deep relationship between life and planetary environment. Charles Langmuir

The Issue of Psychiatric Drugs

05/04/10 Medications that are effective initially can cause very serious problems later. Robert Whitaker

Frozen in Time: Preserving for Later Revival

01/09/24 GBH Forum Network Webinar. Innovations in bio-engineering are revolutionizing medicine. Preservation of tissues, organs, sperm/eggs can be preserved in several different ways for future use. It's a real challenge, but the methods are improving quickly. Mehmet Toner.

From Sea-Sponge to Skyscraper: Bioinspired Engineering

11/16/20 The structure of a humble marine organism inspires mechanical engineers and architects in the design of skyscrapers, massive bridges and other challenging projects. Matheus Fernandes

Harnassing Geothermal Energy

10/11/22 Geothermal energy is an ideal source of renewable energy, but it can be hard to access. Here's a plan. Paul Woskov

Today's Featured Contributors

Featured Author

David R. Montgomery, Ph.D.

A leading geologist who connects the relationship between rocks and life

Featured Guest

Toby Lester

Acclaimed author of The Fourth Part of the World (2009) and Da Vinci’s Ghost (2012)