November-December 2010
Bacteria Facts to Interest & Surprise You
Emerging research shows that bacteria have powers to engineer the environment, to communicate and to affect human well-being. They may even think.
What Would Jesus Buy?
As retailers' "Black Friday" approaches, research shows that commerce and Christmas have a long history of coexistence, and the psychological effect may be generally positive.
The Politics of Bilingual Education
A reader's experience leads him to question the premise of our recent article on bilingual education in schools.
Kisaalita Engineers Solutions for Africa's Rural Poor
University of Georgia professor William Kisaalita engineers simple, practical solutions — a milk chiller, a nutcracker and an egg incubator — for Africa's rural poor.
Researchers Tackle the 'Hipster' Phenomenon
Researchers tap the indie marketplace to learn more about hipsters, who don't think of themselves as hipsters despite their obvious hipsterness.
Welfare Reform Failing Poor Single Moms, Books Claim
"Stretched Thin," "Both Hands Tied," and "The War on Welfare" are three new books that highlight welfare reform's failure to address the enduring poverty of single mothers and their children.
Native Environmentalism and the Alberta Oil Boom
Is Canada's use of "traditional ecological knowledge" in resource planning an environmental advance or just a political sop to native tribes?
Enlightenment Islam?
New Islamic theology courses offered at Goethe University in Frankfurt are an example of a new movement to train imams in Europe.
A Day in the Life of a Sleepy Student
They'll have better attendance, wreck fewer cars and be more agreeable. All we have to do is let high school students sleep in.
Tracking Climate Change -- Comparing Total and Per Capita CO2 Emissions
A footprint comparison of total carbon dioxide emissions by nation and per capita shows there's plenty of room for smaller countries to reduce their carbon footprints.
'Bag It' DVD Packaged With Message in Mind
Because of its message, the documentary "Bag It" required filmmakers to say both "Do what I do" and "Do what I show." A shrink-wrapped DVD was out of the question.
Mountaintop-Removal Coal Mining Blasted in 'Deep Down'
PBS documentary "Deep Down" looks at a cordial, intense dispute over mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachia.
Global Warming: the Archaeological Frontier
Melting glaciers yield evidence on new theories of Asian migration to the Americas. Underwater robots search the sea bottom, looking for more.
Study: Canadian Parents Enforce Fewer Rules
In comparison to French and Italian parents, Canadians deemed most tolerant, according to study.
When Facebook Is Your Medical Record
Emerging research suggests kids' social network postings reflect their real-life behavior. Should that information be used in their medical care?
The Gadget in the Gray Flannel Suit
Generation S and the coming humanization of the digital revolution.
The Third Way to Media Success
Northwestern University researchers look to link editorial talent with audience experiences to get an elusive Web-era result — loyal readers and viewers.
Ocean Sequestration of Carbon: The World's Best Bad Idea for Combatting Climate Change
Putting carbon dioxide in the ocean is a terrible way to deal with climate change. Maybe we should do it.