By Alissa Quart – Executive Editor of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. . ‘Middle class’ doesn’t mean what it used to. Owning a home, two cars, and having a summer vacation to look forward to is a dream that’s no longer possible for …
by Matt Davis – Big Think illustration. Juan (Joan) Pujol García was instrumental in ensuring the success of the Allied invasion of Europe on D Day and, by extension, the Allied victory in the Second World War. But his actions during the war …
by Paul Ratner – Credit: ABC. In 1973, a computer program was developed at MIT to model global sustainability. Instead, it predicted that by 2040 our civilization would end. While many in history have made apocalyptic predictions that have so far failed …
Michael Irving – Genetic analysis on an ancient bone fragment has revealed the direct descendant of a Neanderthal and a Denisovan (Credit: James633/Depositphotos) Although Homo sapiens won the world domination contest, we weren’t without our competitors. For thousands of years we shared …
Researchers propose using brain imaging technology to improve risk assessments—tools to help courts determine appropriate sentencing, probation, and parole. It’s controversial to say the least. By Andrew R. Calderón – Roy Scott/Getty Images. (This story was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, …
by Derek Beres – Photo: powerofforever / Getty Images. If you live in the Community of Belgium, one of the nation’s three federal communities, you most likely speak multiple languages. Though the local dialect is German, three-year-olds are required to study a …
by Emily Jamar – New Mexico is home to many incredible landscapes, but they’re often hidden deep within the desert or around the bend. It’s understood that from rock formations to natural art exhibits, the Land of Enchantment is a scenic dream, but …
Almond growing in California is a $7.6 billion industry that wouldn’t be possible without the 30 billion bees (and hundreds of human beekeepers) who keep the trees pollinated — and whose very existence is in peril. By Jaime Lowe – Will Nissen’s bees …
After a virus was created from mail-order DNA, scientists are sounding the alarm about the genetic tinkering carried out in garages and living rooms. By Emily Baumgaertner – (Leer en español) Across the country, biohackers — hobbyists, amateur geneticists, students and enthusiasts — …
Throughout history, the status and importance of women varied by culture and period. Some groups maintained a highly matriarchal culture during certain times, while at other times they were predominantly patriarchal. Likewise, the roles of women in ancient Egypt and their ability to …
