Science Archives

Salmon bluebacks spend several months in Lake Quinault, living off their fatty flesh before spawning in the Quinault River.

Social Justice

Breaking a Sacred Trust: On the Exploitation of Traditional Native Knowledge

In many Native American communities, there's a fear that any knowledge shared with scientists could end up in published reports—which could, in turn, lead to a familiar story of plundering.

Terri Hansen

Senator Jeff Flake speaks to members of the media on January 17th, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

Economics

Senator Jeff Flake’s War on Small Animals and Sound Science

Through his attacks on those government expenditures he deems frivolous, the Arizona senator exposes the counterproductive nature of his own belt-tightening mission.

James McWilliams

Environment

Why Do Rainstorms Have a Distinctive Scent?

The combination of moisture and particular chemicals is behind our ability to smell a rainstorm.

Tim Logan

News in Brief

In the Latest Effort to Replicate Scientific Studies, Only 62 Percent Hold Up Under Scrutiny

Nevertheless, scientists see some progress on the problem of reproducibility.

Francie Diep

News in Brief

When It Comes to Health-Related Research, Should We Cut Out the Middleman?

A systemic review presents damning evidence that journalists are overselling research.

James McWilliams

The Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington, D.C.

News in Brief

Federal Scientists Are Worried About Policies That Harm America’s Most Vulnerable Populations

In an anonymous survey, government scientists expressed concerns about plans to reduce focus and research on racial and sexual minorities and the poor.

Francie Diep

News in Brief

Trump Picks a Meteorologist for the White House’s Top Science Position

Trump has announced he is nominating meteorologist Kelvin Droegemeier to direct the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Francie Diep

The Environmental Protection Agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Environment

Opponents Show Up in Force at a Hearing for the EPA’s Controversial ‘Secret Science’ Rule

The rule's architects aren't really seeking better science, opponents argue.

Francie Diep

News in Brief

Inside the Campaign to Strip Harassers of Their Scientific Honors

Some members of the science community are fighting to ensure that a finding of harassment leads to consequences far beyond whatever the university decides—including their removal from the National Academy of Sciences.

Francie Diep

Environmental activists hug trees in Oaxaca State, Mexico, on February 25th, 2018.

Environment

As Americans Age, Their Support for Environmentalism Declines

It's not easy staying green.

Tom Jacobs