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Books

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Sounding Smart with SmartNews: Your Cheat Sheet to the Nobels

Here, in Twitter-sized bites, are descriptions of the work that won the Nobel this week

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The Traumatic Birth of the Modern (and Vicious) Political Campaign

When Upton Sinclair ran for governor of California in 1934, new media were marshaled to beat him

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You Don’t Know As Much As You Think You Do

Basically, most of what you think you know might be wrong

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Snakes: The Good, the Bad and the Deadly

With venom so potent it can kill a person in 30 minutes, the black mamba is a snake to avoid—while others are worth learning about before you cast judgment

Maria Snyder, Italian Vanity, Versace, 1983

Antonio’s World: The Life and Work of a Celebrated Fashion Illustrator

Antonio Lopez’s electrifying art defined the style of the times, 1960s-‘80s. Now, a gallery show and book call renewed attention to his accomplishments

Unless you know how to handle a scalpel and have some detailed knowledge of anatomy, Antarctica could be the least convenient place to suffer appendicitis—but it’s happened to researchers more than once.

Health Hazards of the Traveler

Russian scientist Leonid Rogozov was the only doctor within 1,000 miles when, in 1961, he was struck by appendicitis in Antarctica

High School Students Hit a Forty Year Low on the SAT Reading Section

Over 50 percent of test takers scored below the level that would indicate college success, and scores from every racial group but one (Asian) declined

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Top 5 “Science Done Right” Moments in Movies

Directors take note: scientist and author David Kirby commends the accuracy in these popular films

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The Hobbit You Grew Up With Isn’t Quite the Same As the Original, Published 75 Years Ago Today

The Hobbit was first published 75 years ago today - and it wasn’t exactly the way you remember it

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This Story Has a Picture With It, So It Must Be True

A recent study found that statements accompanied by pictures are more likely to be taken as true than those without

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Picture-Perfect Bonsai

In a new book, botanical photographer Jonathan Singer focuses his lens on the potted plants

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The Unknown Story of “The Black Cyclone,” the Cycling Champion Who Broke the Color Barrier

Major Taylor had to brave more than the competition to become one of the most acclaimed cyclists of the world

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What’s the Perfect Book to Get Over a Breakup?

Alain de Botton has provided a valuable service: giving reading prescriptions for a “shelf-help” approach to everyday problems

Martin Amis, England's most famous living novelist, has just moved from London to the United States.

Martin Amis Contemplates Evil

England’s most famous living novelist has moved to America—and tilted the literary world

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Teen ‘Sick-Lit’ Should Leave Parents Feeling Queasy

The newly defined genre of “teen sick-lit” is awash with tear-jerking stories of ill adolescents who seek only to find the love of their life during their final days, but researchers say it reinforces negative stereotypes of the ill

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Fake Science: A 100% Fact-Free Alternative

Who needs accurate information when you can simply make it up? A fake scientist explains

The cover of Paleo #2 by Jim Lawson

“Paleo” Isn’t Extinct Yet

After a long hiatus, the series Paleo returns in webcomic form

Data Mining the Classics Clusters Women Authors Together, Puts Mellville Out On a Raft

Simple but safe: An elaborately painted bike lane in Portland marks among the few places on America’s roadway system where cars are not allowed.

Is Portland, Oregon the Best City for Bikes in the Country?

With dedicated bike lanes and businesses catering to cyclists, the Oregon city is a true pedaler’s paradise

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Today We Celebrate the Short, Unhappy Life of H.P. Lovecraft

“Weird fiction” fans toast today to the birth of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, aka H.P. Lovecraft

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