Archive

Brandon Keim explores the history of the H5N1 virus, tracing its roots from poultry farms in Guangdong, China, to its global spread and potential threats to human health. As the story unfolds, it reveals the interplay between agricultural practices and the evolution of the virus ...

Danny Robb traces how our perception of the moon evolved from a mythological entity to a real place that has been scientifically explored and mapped. He recounts through centuries of observation and technological advancements, revealing how our relationship with the Moon has shif...

Colin Dickey explores ley lines, theorized as unseen lines connecting ancient sites, and their evolution from archaeological speculation to metaphysical importance. It traces the origins of the idea to Alfred Watkins' "The Old Straight Track" and its subsequent interpretations, c...

Hannah Ritchie shows that air quality in many countries has improved significantly over the years, with significant reductions in pollutants like sulfur dioxide. She argues that we can accelerate this process in the countries where it has not

Dani Garavelli writes about the systemic failures within the Scottish prison system through the stories of William Lindsay and Katie Allan, two young prisoners lost to suicide while incarcerated.

Aube Rey Lescure recounts a journey back to China after years of absence, the return to a homeland that feels both familiar and foreign in unexpected ways.

The Guardian investigates the safety practices of Match Group, the parent company of popular dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. Despite being aware of numerous reports of sexual assault by users, this piece argues that the company has often prioritized profits over the safety of ...

Bee Wilson reviews Nicola Twilley’s book “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet and Ourselves.” Refrigeration is a huge part of our lives, and this technology has reshaped not just our diets but also our relationship with food itself. For all the good it does,...

In a nostalgic dive into the origins of cup stacking, Kit Fox tells the story of how his father turned a shipment of seemingly useless plastic cups into something that would find its way into gym classes across America.

Sarah Todd argues that the rising skepticism about seed oils is more than a dietary debate; it reflects deeper issues with America's food system. The scientific consensus is that there is no clear evidence seed oils are harmful to health. The alternatives are not necessarily heal...