Recommended Writing

Over fifty-one days, Johannes Fritz leads a flock of these unique birds on a migration from Germany to Spain, employing a microlight aircraft and a dedicated team of volunteers. Nick Paumgarten writes about these efforts that he describes as “quixotic.”

Anton Howes continues tracing the history of the rise of coal, and how it transformed not just heating practices but also the economy and daily life in growing urban centers. The essay provides rich historical detail, as it highlights the interplay between technology, culture, an...

Mohamed Gabobe shares the harrowing journey of a Somali soldier who faced unimaginable hardships during his training in Eritrea and subsequent battles against al-Shabab. Through the eyes of this whistleblower, this piece provides insight into the brutal realities of Somalia’s ong...

As obesity rates climb, the debate over prescribing weight-loss drugs to children is also intensifying. Hannah Kuchler explores the experiences of teenagers like Chloe, who see these medications as a lifeline, while experts voice concerns about the potential long-term impacts on ...

A 1969 experiment in Coventry saw 21 Indian women fed chapatis baked with radioactive isotopes, without their consent. Revisiting the history behind this unsettling study explores broader issues of trust, consent, and medical ethics within vulnerable communities.

Burkhard Bilger writes about how marching bands have evolved into a competitive and artistic form known as the "marching arts." These bands now incorporate complex choreography, formations, and creative themes into their performances.

Michael Erard writes about the phenomenon of delirium that often accompanies the dying process. He contrasts our cultural expectations of last words with the chaotic reality of a disoriented mind, revealing how this disconnect can affect both patients and their families.

Ilan Manouach makes a case for embracing generative AI for comic production, or at least, against stigmatizing it. He argues for using the term "synthetic comics" over "AI comics," highlighting the historical symbiosis between comics and technological innovation.

Building nuclear reactors is difficult and expensive. The industry is hopeful that using almost-exact copies of existing reactors can help keep costs down and prevent delays for new projects.

Connectomics — a technique that maps physical connections between neural cells — is expensive and inefficient. E11 Bio, a non-profit research group, is designing a tool to expedite progress.