Articles from 07/2010
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Yawning Together
Why do we yawn, and why is yawning contagious even across species? Studies are beginning to explain, but the results aren’t yet conclusive.
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From Galileo to Cassini
Four hundred years ago, Galileo turned his telescope toward Saturn for the first time. But instead of rings, he saw something quite different.
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Two Wrongs from the Right
The deaths of a climate scientist and of meaningful climate-change legislation bode poorly for a prosperous energy-independent future.
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Are Octopuses Smart?
In the wild and in the lab, octopuses exhibit remarkable behavior that hints at sophisticated intelligence. Should they be treated differently from other animals?
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Life in the Garden
A young ecologist reflects on his craft, the nature of biodiversity, and the deep truths to be found through digging in the dirt.
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The Body Politic
The deep symbiosis between bacteria and their human hosts is forcing scientists to ask: Are we organisms or living ecosystems?
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The Evolution of Cooperation
Insects that survive on plant sap alone offer insights into the likely origin and evolution of all multicellular life.
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Symbols from the Sky
Heavenly messages from the depths of prehistory may be encoded on the walls of caves throughout Europe.
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In Defense of Difference
Scientists offer new insight into what to protect of the world's rapidly vanishing languages, cultures, and species.
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The State of the Scientist
The identity of the modern scientist is, in every possible sense, a work in progress.
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Science and/or Faith
Should a "scientific" meeting attempt to address questions of faith? If so, what's the best way to do it?
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Wanted: GM Seeds for Study
A battle is quietly being waged between the industry that produces genetically modified seeds and scientists trying to investigate the environmental impacts of engineered crops. Although companies have recently given ground, researchers say these firms are still loath to allow independent analyses of their patented — and profitable — seeds.
Now on SEEDMAGAZINE.COM
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Ideas
I Tried Almost Everything Else
John Rinn, snowboarder, skateboarder, and “genomic origamist,” on why we should dumpster-dive in our genomes and the inspiration of a middle-distance runner.
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Ideas
Going, Going, Gone
The second most common element in the universe is increasingly rare on Earth—except, for now, in America.
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Ideas
Earth-like Planets Aren’t Rare
Renowned planetary scientist James Kasting on the odds of finding another Earth-like planet and the power of science fiction.
