Madeleine Thomas
Former staff writer Madeleine Thomas was previously a senior editorial fellow for Grist. She has also written for The Atlantic, the East Bay Express, and Reuters. She is a graduate of the University of California–Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.
Objects That Matter: White Picket Fence
In the 1940s, the mass-produced tract homes that formed Levittown, New York—one of America's first suburbs—specifically barred "any person other than members of the Caucasian race" in their leases.
Would a Trump Presidency Really Help Our Coal Industry?
Coal mining jobs have been in decline since the 1980s. Is there reason to think Donald Trump could resuscitate a dying industry?
The Addicted Generation
Did we fail our kids by relying on prescription medication to treat ADHD?
The Link Between Climate Change and Malnutrition
In fewer than 40 years, the average person will have 3.2 percent less food available to him/her, according to a new study.
2015 Was the Hottest Year in History
Fifteen of the 16 warmest years on record have occurred since 2001.
Is the Coal Industry on Its Way Out?
The federal government's new moratorium on mining leases is just one of many setbacks for Big Coal.
Your Neighbor's Chickens Are Grosser Than You Think
Backyard chickens may be dirtier than you think.
America's Unusually Hot Year
In 2015, every state in the country was warmer than the 20th-century average.
The Radioactive Remedy
Each year, hundreds of desperate patients seek relief from extreme pain in Montana’s retired uranium mines.
El Niño Isn't Letting Up
Forecasters predict the United States still has yet to experience the brunt of its erratic weather.
The Causes of Violent Crime Are Blowing in the Wind
Serious crimes are more likely to occur in neighborhoods downwind of air pollution, according to a new study.
Why We Need Primate Poop to Grow Rainforests
The surprising way fruit-eating animals serve as a buffer against climate change.
Are the World's Lakes in Danger?
According to new research, we can now add the world's freshwater lakes to the ever-growing list of at-risk environmental entities.
Lemurs Like to Chit-Chat Too
Ringtailed lemurs, just like humans, reserve conversation for those they feel more connected with.
Ten Times Science Made Us Feel Better in 2015
A toast to this year's most awesome science headlines.
A Sociologist Weighs in on Sex Work and James Deen
Pacific Standard sits down to talk with Chauntelle Tibbals.
Are Microbeads About to Become a Thing of the Past?
The House voted this week to ban microbeads. This is a demonstrably good thing.
Japan Is Killing Whales in the Name of 'Science'
Japanese officials claim hunting a select number of whales each year provides valuable insight into the animal's health and migration. Conservationists, however, criticize the whaling program as a front to evade commercial whaling bans.
Is There Really a Link Between Climate Change and National Security?
It would appear so, going by current research.
Why Pixar's New Short Is a Big Deal
"For any immigrant culture, it's so important to see yourself represented in books and movies and music."
The Contentious Issue of Parents Who Smoke Pot
Parents who are even occasional weed users can face accusations of child neglect or abuse, and can risk losing their children as a result.
Say Goodbye to Snowpack
Snow-dependent drainage basins that supply much of the world with water are steadily declining.
Sexual Assault Against Servicemen Is Worse Than We Thought
A new report highlights the troubling reality of sexual assault for men in the military.
Behind the Curtains at KillJoy's Kastle
A pair of lesbian-feminist artists have staged a rejoinder to evangelical Christian “hell houses.” Welcome to where the patriarchy goes to die.
California Is Re-Visiting Its Halloween-Specific Laws Against Sex Offenders
And that might actually be a good thing.
Adrian Robinson Jr. and the NFL's Multifaceted Concussion Problem
The science behind football brain injuries.
Does Fracking Reduce Sperm Count?
New research suggests fracking damages the reproductive health of both sexes.
An Interview With a Hypnotist
Anthony DeMarco weighs in on the Florida hypnosis gone wrong.
Some Weird and Unusual Drought Tactics
In the spirit of last week's Fort Bragg announcement, we present a few other interesting ways Californians have gone about saving water.
The Price of an Oil Spill
Details of BP's settlement over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill have been released.
Shell's Big Back-Down
The oil giant announced that there simply isn't enough oil and natural gas to warrant any more drilling.
Coastal Communities Could Be in for Some Trouble
A strong El Niño and La Niña could cause flooding and erosion along the Pacific, according to new research.
The Many Implications of Your Wasted Food
America's finally set to tackle its food-waste problem. That's a good thing, because the issue runs very, very deep.
Why Are People Looting Clear Lake?
Thanks to drought and wildfire, previously hidden archaeological sites are now being exposed to passersby. And that's leading to a lot of theft.
Why the Addition of a Warning Label to Roundup Matters
Nathan Donley, a staff scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity, discusses the harmful side effects of the glyphosate.
Divesting for the Future
The University of California plans to divest from coal and oil sands. Will other major universities follow suit?
Should Ocean Noise Be Recognized as a Pollutant?
Marine ecosystems are just as vulnerable to seismic noise as other types of pollution.
Can We Handle an Arctic Oil Spill?
Drilling in the Arctic has just begun, but when it comes to the science of safety, it turns out there are still a lot of unknowns.
The Importance of Diversity to an Animal's Survival
To better understand endangered species, study their genetics.
West Coast Weed Farms Are Lighting Up
As wildfires continue to ravage the West Coast, concerns emerge for the marijuana industry.
Twitter Is Changing How We Talk About Climate Change
To study climate change, head to the Twittersphere.