MARK STRAUSS

Command Performance: Interview with Patrick Stewart

The actor whose leading roles in Star Trek and X-Men have taken him into the far future, reflects on where present-day society is headed.

How Will We Get Off Mars?

Landing on Mars will be easy compared to the task of getting back home.

Landing on Mars will be easy compared to the task of getting back home.

Strange Radio Bursts Seen Coming From a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Astronomers have at last pinpointed the home galaxy of an extremely powerful radio blast.

Astronomers have at last pinpointed the home galaxy of an extremely powerful radio blast, offering clues to what caused the enigmatic event.

12 Theories of How We Became Human, and Why They’re All Wrong

Killers? Hippies? Toolmakers? Scientists have trouble agreeing on the essence of humanity.

Killers? Hippies? Toolmakers? Scientists have trouble agreeing on the essence of humanity.

The 5,000-Year Secret History of the Watermelon

Ancient Hebrew texts and Egyptian tomb paintings reveal the origins of our favorite summertime fruit.

Ancient Hebrew texts and Egyptian tomb paintings reveal the origins of our favorite summertime fruit.

When Is It Okay To Dig Up The Dead?

Archaeologists are increasingly confronted with demands to let past generations rest in peace.

Archaeologists are increasingly confronted with demands to let past generations rest in peace.

Space Archaeologists Search For Dead Alien Civilizations

Extraterrestrial life might exist, but there’s no guarantee that it hasn’t destroyed itself. Here’s how to detect an apocalypse on another world.

Extraterrestrial life might exist, but there’s no guarantee that it hasn’t destroyed itself. Here’s how to detect an apocalypse on another world.

Will Marijuana for Sick Kids Get Government to Rethink Weed?

The drug’s ability to reduce seizures in some children has softened opposition to research.

The drug’s ability to reduce seizures in some children has softened opposition to research.

Global Shootout

Why the NRA joined the United Nations.

A Key Reason Why U.S. Politicians Don’t Understand Science

The rise and fall of the Office of Technology Assessment—and why we need it more than ever.

Looking Back On “The Limits To Growth”

Forty years after the release of the groundbreaking study, were the concerns about overpopulation and the environment correct?

Will the Trump Administration Weed Out Medical Marijuana?

The president-elect previously has said that regulating cannabis is a state issue—but some of his closest advisers think otherwise.

The president-elect previously has said that regulating cannabis is a state issue—but some of his closest advisers think otherwise.

Who Buys Ivory? You’d Be Surprised.

A new international survey reveals what’s really driving the demand side of the ivory market.

How Would Christianity Deal with Extraterrestrial Life?

For those who believe in the redemption of humanity through a singular event, the question poses an especially complex dilemma.

For those who believe in the redemption of humanity through a singular event, the question poses an especially complex dilemma.

Anti-Globalism’s Jewish Problem

Anti-Semitism is again on the rise, as modern anxieties are merging with old hatreds.

Anti-Semitism is again on the rise, as modern anxieties merge with old hatreds.

The Campaign to Eliminate Hell

A new generation of evangelical scholars are challenging the idea that sinners are doomed to eternal torment.

A new generation of evangelical scholars are challenging the idea that sinners are doomed to eternal torment.

God’s Chosen Planet

Why creationists are praying we never find alien life.

Why creationists are praying we never find alien life.

It Seems Crazy, But the Neutron Bomb Was Intended To Be Humane

The weapon of not-as-much mass destruction proved to be a hard sell.

The weapon of not-as-much mass destruction proved to be a hard sell.

Nuking Hurricanes: The Surprising History of a Really Bad Idea

Why the myth of bombing Mother Nature into submission endures.

No, Really, There is No Secret Code in the Pyramids

Encoded mysteries have existed through history—especially imaginary ones.

Why Newton Believed a Comet Caused Noah’s Flood

In the 17th century, scientists used physics to explain the miracles described in the Bible.

Ten Inventions That Inadvertently Transformed Warfare

Some of the most pivotal battlefield innovations throughout history began as peacetime inventions.

Ten Notable Apocalypses That (Obviously) Didn’t Happen

We’re still here.

Want to Build a Strong Fortress? Set It On Fire

Ancient fortifications in Europe had melted stone walls—but it wasn’t battle damage.

The Untold Story of the Most Hated Workplace Clichés

Where did all this office jargon come from? Presenting a condensed etymology.

Where did all this office jargon come from? Presenting a condensed etymology.

Definitive Proof That Nostradamus Predicted Star Wars

Were the prophecies of the French astrologer Nostradamus actually plot spoilers?

Were the prophecies of the French astrologer Nostradamus actually plot spoilers?