November-December 2011
Does This Make My Antenna Look Big?
Researchers mix technology with fashion, analyze a pharaoh's skin condition, measure the smarts of Scrabble players, and more in this edition of Miller-McCune's "Cocktail Napkin."
PBS to Show 'Where Soldiers Come From'
A PBS documentary follows a group of friends before, during, and after their time in Afghanistan.
Alligator River Refuge Rolls Back From Rising Sea
As coastlines are battered by rising seas, staff at North Carolina’s Alligator River Wildlife Refuge look for ways to make an orderly retreat.
The Science Behind TGIF
Economist John F. Helliwell has data that backs up why Americans are significantly happier on weekends and public holidays than during the workweek.
Disappearing Ink: Tattoo Remorse Spawns New Business
Tattoo remorse is leading many of the painted masses to rethink their ink, which is fueling a burgeoning business: specialty tattoo removal shops.
Study: Ethical People More Satisfied With Life
University of Missouri economist Harvey James finds a relationship between life satisfaction and low tolerance for unethical conduct.
Viewing Illegal Immigration Through Desert Debris
In the litter scattered across the desert floor, professor Jason De León finds truths about the miserable business of illegal immigration.
Vehicle-to-Grid: A New Spin on Car Payments
Buried in the high hopes for electric cars is the very real possibility that they can make money by powering and regulating the grid.
Studying Flags, Pins, Hope From 2008 Election
The Stars and Stripes are subliminal, class cleavages are overrated, and other academic analyses we should consider from the last election.
Turning Cellphones Into Mobile Microscopes
Researchers across California are working to bring medical microscopes to our cellphones — and vastly improve field medicine.
Post-Gadhafi: What's Next for Libya's Government?
As our correspondent in Libya has learned, rushing to the ballot box might be the biggest mistake there is.
LAPD Cracks Cold Cases With Science, Grit
Since the LAPD's cold case unit began 10 years ago, detectives have used science to arrest serial killers and dozens of others who thought they had gotten away with murder.