Society
Culture, traditions and belief systems arising out of the social relationships among a group of people
We Don’t Have to Choose Between Fossil Fuels and Green Energy
In a new book, Michael Levi argues that betting on a single energy path will only lead to failure
May 23, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Want to Revolutionize Energy? Improve the Battery
Better energy storage could transform electric vehicles and the power grid, and help the climate
May 23, 2013 |
By Paul Tullis
Could ‘Clean Coal’ Finally Live up to Its Name?
An experimental new technology captures more than 99 percent of the carbon dioxide from burning coal
May 23, 2013 |
By Dan Ferber
Introducing a Special Report on Energy
In a world hungry for power, a new wealth of innovation hopes to keep the engine of industry running for the foreseeable future
May 23, 2013 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Introducing a Special Report on Energy
In a world hungry for power, a new wealth of innovation hopes to keep the engine of industry running for the foreseeable future
May 23, 2013 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Doctors Use a Dissolvable 3D-Printed Tracheal Splint to Save a Baby’s Life
An infant's collapsing airway now has a device holding it open; as his tissue strengthens, the splint will be absorbed into his body
May 22, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
One Day Your Phone Will Know If You’re Happy or Sad
By analyzing every tiny facial gesture, voice inflection or even how quickly we tap out a text message, devices are getting good at reading our emotions
May 22, 2013 |
By Randy Rieland
A Brief History of Robot Birds
The early Greeks and Renaissance artists had birds on their brains
May 22, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Look, But Don’t Eat: Delicious Crocheted Dishes
This British designer crochets pizzas, veggies and cakes that look almost realistic enough to eat
May 22, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Once in a Blue Moon and Other Idioms That Don’t Make Scientific Sense
From "where there's smoke, there's fire" to "hard as nails," several sayings just don't pass scientific scrutiny
May 22, 2013 |
By Mohi Kumar
The Internet Is Still for Porn—And Parents Are Trying to Figure Out How to Handle That
Welcome to the internet, there will be porn, are you ready for it?
May 21, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
3D-Printed Pizza Brings Us One Step Closer to Meal-in-a-Pill
Laid down layer by layer using protein powders and other things, this 3D food printer could be the way of our culinary future
May 21, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Princeton University Celebrates the Art of Science
In a new exhibition, the university showcases 43 images rooted in scientific research that force viewers to contemplate the definition of art
May 21, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Olympic Rowers, King Tut Lessons and More Books to Read This Month
Also out in June: the math of life and the lives of astronauts’ wives
May 2013 |
By Chloë Schama
Why You Like What You Like
Researchers are cooking up experiments to learn what might explain which foods we love and which foods we hate
May 2013 |
By Tom Vanderbilt
How Edwin Hubble Became the 20th Century’s Greatest Astronomer
The young scientist demolished the old guard's ideas on the nature and size of the universe
May 20, 2013 |
By Gilbert King
Odile Madden
Materials Scientist & Engineer, Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute
May 20, 2013 |
By Smithsonian Magazine's "Future Is Here" Conference
The Life-Saving App That Sends Pictures of Your Heartbeat to Doctors
A new app outpaces email when sending crucial medical data from the ambulance to the hospital
May 17, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Invasive Crazy Ants Are Eating Up Invasive Fire Ants in the South
How ecosystems will function if fire ants suddenly disappear and are replaced by crazy ants remains an open but worrying question
May 17, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Can Brain Scans Really Tell Us What Makes Something Beautiful?
Some scientists think we'll be able to define great art by analyzing our brains when we see or hear it. Critics say don't hold your breath
May 17, 2013 |
By Randy Rieland
