What’s Wrong With “the Chinese Virus”?

An anthropologist explores the controversial labels for COVID-19.

Race Is Real, But It’s Not Genetic

For over 300 years, socially defined notions of “race” have shaped human lives around the globe—but the category has no biological foundation.

Why Winter Solstice Celebrations Persist

On the shortest, darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, people draw strength from traditions that help them celebrate the gradual return of light.

How Long Have We Been in the Anthropocene?

A global survey of scientists shines a light on the time depth of human impacts on Earth.

The Science of Human Nature Has a Serious Problem

You can’t characterize human psychology and behavior if studies overlook 85 percent of people on Earth.

Western Science Is Finally Catching Up to Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Time and again, Western researchers are realizing that Indigenous peoples have long had sophisticated insights and deep wisdom about the world.

Glacial Melting Isn’t Someone Else’s Problem

Many of us will never see a glacier, but we should all take responsibility for trying to halt their disappearance.

Can We “See” Climate Change?

Climate change skeptics point to ice and snow to seed doubt about global warming—but visible evidence of the changing climate is all around us.

Why the Famous Folsom Point Isn’t a Smoking Gun

Scientific findings tend to be provisional. That’s a good thing.

The Church of the Solar Eclipse

Eclipse hunters aren’t merely astronomy geeks—they are seekers of awe and wonder.