Why Gender-Affirming Care Is Lifesaving

In the wake of a wave of discriminatory bills, a pediatric endocrinologist and a family therapist discuss their work with trans youth and what gender-affirming health care provides—both to young people, and throughout a person’s lifespan.  [more]

Poetry That Wields Science In ‘Unaccountable’ Times

As a poet whose work touches on the Hubble telescope, the proteins of itch, and the silencing of climate researchers, Jane Hirshfield talks about the particular observational capacity of language, and why scientists and poets can share similar awe. [more]

You Aren’t Alone In Grieving The Climate Crisis

As the consequences of unchecked climate change come into sharper focus—wildfires, rising seas, mass coral bleaching and extinctions—what is to be done about the emotional devastation that people feel as a result? [more]

The Long History Behind Our Rapid COVID-19 Vaccines

The extraordinary speed of critical vaccine developments was thanks to decades and decades of previous work, including research on the original SARS virus, and even HIV.   [more]

Can We Build A Better Metaverse?

What are users actually getting if companies like Meta succeed at their metaverse goals? And are there other, perhaps better, ways to go about bringing people together virtually? A science fiction writer and a virtual reality veteran discuss. [more]

Two Decades Beyond The First Full Map Of Human DNA

Looking back at the successes and challenges of the Human Genome Project. Plus contemporary questions about privacy, commercialization, and the sovereignty of Indigenous peoples over their own genetic data.  [more]