Atmospheric carbon dioxide is currently as high as it was in the Pliocene Period. Here’s why looking back millions of years can help us understand the next few hundred. Plus, astronomer Janna Levin takes readers on a journey into black holes and their physics.

From web weaving to silk-slinging physics, spiders are full of secrets. Meet the scientists trying to unwind them. Plus, a look at the African American software engineers and entrepreneurs at the forefront of the development of the internet.

A state-by-state tour of the top science issues, from energy policy, pollution problems, water conservation, to meat labeling, and much more. Plus, physics mysteries from the animal kingdom.