John Allman and Atiya Hakeem examing elephant brain specimens

Anthropology & Behavior

Brain Cells for Socializing

Does an obscure nerve cell help explain what gorillas, elephants, whales—and people—have in common?
By Ingfei Chen

From the Editor: Positive Thinking

Funny-looking cells and an air of expectation
By Carey Winfrey

Mexicans wear masks to prevent swine flu in Mexico City

Dreading the Worst When it Comes to Epidemics

A scientist by training, author Philip Alcabes studies the etymology of epidemiology and the cultural fears of worldwide disease
By Abigail Tucker

Speeding car

Buckle Up Your Seatbelt and Behave

Do we take more risks when we feel safe? Fifty years after we began using the three-point seatbelt, there's a new answer
By William Ecenbarger

Woman at work with her child

The Journey to Elsewhere, U.S.A.

A professor explains how new technology drastically altered the modern American family unit.
By Abigail Tucker

Most Popular

Strange Plants

<strong>Name:</strong> Resurrection fern (<em>Selaginella</em> <em>lepidophylla</em>)<br> <strong>Habitat:</strong> Deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States<br> <strong>Strange Factor:</strong> During frequent droughts, it folds up its stems into a tight ball and goes into a state of dormancy that can last for years. When the rains return, the plant

Earthly Wonders

A slideshow of the world's strangest plants

National Parks

<strong>Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska</strong><br> The dramatic tidewater glaciers that define this 3.2-million-acre park are remnants of the Little Ice Age that began about 4,000 years ago. With 16 active glaciers, Glacier Bay is the park

Off the Beaten Path

Experience the rich diversity of America's national parks

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July 2009 Issue Cover

July 2009

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Photo Essay

The Magellanic Penguins of Punta Tombo

Explore photos from Eric Wagner's experience with the Magellanic penguins of Punta Tombo