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The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future.
Heard on the Air
Remembering geneticist Craig Venter
Renowned genetics researcher Craig Venter died on April 29, 2026, at the age of 79. We remember his scientific contributions.
The decades-long movement to kill FEMA
A new series from “On the Media” traces the mistrust and conspiracy theories that have plagued FEMA since its founding in 1979.
What cats and dogs hear + A ‘smell map’ of the nose
What do cats and dogs hear that we don’t? Plus, what a “smell map” of the receptors in a mouse nose tells us about this sense.
How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab?
Measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
What is ibogaine, and why is it in the news?
A recent executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it?
The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future.