Comic Con on the Couch: Analyzing Superheroes
Robin Rosenberg delves into the inner psyches of superheroes—and the people who dress like them.
May/Jun 2012
Mapping the Evolution of the West
A graphic look at the Western United States’ half-century of rising fortunes.
The Restructuring of Capitalism in Our Time — Reviewed by Fred Block
Fred Block, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Davis, reviews William K. Tabb's view of the 2008 financial crisis.
The Book of Mormon: A Biography — Reviewed by Wade Clark Roof
Wade Clark Roof, a professor of religion and society at the University of California, Santa Barbara, reviews Paul C. Gutjahr's new book.
Grover Norquist’s Proposal to Raise Taxes
Why saving city budgets by moving to a 401(k) plan can only mean one thing.
Researchers & Discoveries: Black Hole Hunter
Astrophysicist Andrea Ghez on black holes and the center of our galaxy.
R.I.P. Traditional Marriage
What the fading of traditional marriage tells us about our growing class divide.
Cancer Wars: An Outcast Researcher’s New Theory
The scientific community disowned Professor Peter Duesberg for denying that HIV causes AIDS. But is there something to his new theory on cancer?
Ocean Garbage Patches: A Scientific Sifting
From plastic-eating mushrooms to the aerodynamics of hockey gloves, a roundup of unexpected findings from the study of marine trash.
Turning Diabetes Treatment Upside Down
Dr. Jay Shubrook is flipping conventional insulin treatment upside-down—with startling results.
Why Obama Is Looking West
The nations that ring the Pacific have half the world's consumers, half the world’s trade, and half the global GDP. No wonder the administration is quietly shifting its policies westward.
Unleashing a Wall Street Watchdog
How a 1920s law meant to protect investors was manipulated to protect big banks and investment firms—until now.
Paul Theroux on What’s Really Wrong With Africa
Travel writer Paul Theroux on why his latest book, "The Lower River", looks at the damage done by nongovernmental organizations in Africa.
Is Facebook Stunting Your Child's Growth?
A sociologist says social media damages tweens’ emotional intelligence – with potentially serious consequences.
China’s Accidental Spies
Is an unassuming group of Chinese bloggers who are obsessed with military hardware doing the Pentagon’s work? Or Beijing’s?
The Death Penalty on Life Support
Forty years ago, Americans’ moral qualms almost ended the death penalty. Now we’re abandoning it again — but not because we object to executions.
Why Thomas Kinkade's Art Touched So Many
Thomas Kinkade, the best-selling “Painter of Light,” has never enjoyed the academic scrutiny accorded other homespun artists — until now.
How Rube Goldberg Would Have Watered the West
Who needs pipelines when massive hydro-cannons could blast water across California’s deserts?