GROWING UP TOO FAST
My Childhood Autism Went Undetected. It Cost Me Part Of My Youth
There is little question among psychologists about the benefits of early detection of autism. Yet many children still slip through the cracks.
THEM'S THE FACTS
Could A Rating System Help Weigh Claims Made In Popular Science Books?
The author of a new psychology book deploys an unusual numerical system to assess the robustness of the evidence he presents.
PLAY 'FREE BIRD'!
How Do We Know When An At-Risk Species Has Recovered?
Species recovery shouldn't be based solely on numbers, but also on whether the species can perform its ecological roles.
A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU
Down On The Body Farm: The Forensics Of Decaying Corpses
Researchers at outdoor "body farms" look to the microbes of human decay to help identify corpses and pinpoint time of death.
DEATH BECOMES THEM
Down On The Body Farm: The Gruesome Forensics Of Decaying Corpses
Researchers at outdoor "body farms" look to the microbes of human decay to help identify corpses and pinpoint time of death.
FRESH BLOOD
Does Science Really Advance One Funeral At A Time?
A recent study suggests that after prominent scientists die, their fields see an influx of work from lesser-known researchers.
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM
Do Music Lessons Really Make Kids Smarter?
A recent analysis found that most mischaracterize the relationship between music training and skills enhancement.
UNCHARTED TERRITORY
The Messy Reality Of A Radical New Cancer Cure
Doctors have now treated several patients with CAR-T, the new cancer gene therapy — but have also had to scramble to manage side effects.
SUSTAINABILITY SEESAW
California's Plan To Buy Carbon Offsets In The Amazon Raises Ethical Concerns
California polluters may "offset" their emissions by protecting tropical forests. But will it hurt locals?
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Problem With Labeling Gut Troubles 'Dysbiosis'
The term is often used in research, but some say it has contributed to an untold number of people attempting DIY fecal transplants.
'THE ERA OF EXISTENTIAL RISK'
Deep Time And The Precarious Future Of Humanity
In the atomic age, extinction can strike in a blink. But natural risks like asteroid strikes require us to think about time on a different scale.
OVERLOOKING ABUSER VIOLENCE
Concussion Research Has A Troubling Patriarchy Problem
Survivors of intimate partner violence suffer traumatic brain injuries at alarming rates. Yet science overlooks us.
BURROS IN LOW PLACES
The Wild Donkeys Of Death Valley
Officials are trying to rid Death Valley National Park of burros. But could they actually be helping native species flourish?
NOT A GOOD RUN
The Persistent Myth Of Persistence Hunting
Don't believe the hype. Humans' prowess at endurance running has little to do with our ancestors' quest for meat.
'VERY TROUBLING'
Lyme Vaccines Show New Promise And Face Old Challenges
The first human Lyme vaccine was pulled off the market nearly twenty years ago. A new effort faces lingering suspicions.
SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED
For Gun Locks And Safes, Lax Oversight And Lousy Design
Gun owners are encouraged to lock up their weapons to prevent accidents. But many storage boxes and safety devices are trivial to overcome.
DEFLATING INFLATION
Can Physicists Rewrite The Origin Story Of The Universe?
Some cosmologists are on a quest to change the narrative of how the universe came to be. The problem, they say, is no one's listening.
WINGING IT
The Mystery Of The World's Largest Butterfly
The Queen Alexandra's Birdwing, with a wingspan of up to 12 inches, is among the world's rarest butterflies, but next to nothing is known about it.
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
An Identity Crisis For The Australian Dingo
The future of the iconic canine could hinge on the question of whether it should be classified as a unique species or just another wild dog.
A LITTLE DAB'LL DO YA?
Why Parents Are Turning To A Controversial Treatment For Food Allergies
An idea based on a century-old concept could soon receive FDA approval. But will it cause more anxiety than relief?