Sci-fi thriller combines aliens, robots, and Cherokee culture
The sci-fi thriller “Hole in the Sky” imagines an alien first-contact scenario set in the heart of Cherokee Nation.
In a never-ending stream of data, a nonhuman voice emerges
In “Hole in the Sky,” a threat forecaster confined to a bunker deciphers a mysterious code. One day, a new kind of voice comes through.
Beavers could be humans’ biggest ally, if we let them
Beavers and humans tend to clash over landscape management. Pixar’s “Hoppers” captures the struggle, and Oregon proves coexistence is possible.
Writing science fiction with Daniel H. Wilson
On May 29 we’ll discuss Wilson’s book, “Hole in the Sky” and his life as an author, robotics engineer, and Cherokee citizen.
What urban design tells us about democracy
Archaeologists can use the design of ancient temples, plazas, and cities to piece together the story of how a place was governed.
How do you describe nature? Two poets help us
For Earth Day, we wanted to know how to best put our feelings about nature into words. Two poets help us out.
Why does life exist? Follow the energy
In “Why Do We Exist?” Hakeem Oluseyi explores how life may have emerged to move energy through matter—and why Earth is the perfect setting.
Why so many studies can’t be replicated
An analysis of thousands of social science studies found that half couldn’t be replicated. What’s behind this pattern, and can it be fixed?
Humans have always been composting
In “Compost after Reading,” a history of how humans have managed the decomposition process to replenish soil through the ages.
How a sound designer gave an alien its voice (and 250 words)
Erik Aadahl, the sound designer behind “Project Hail Mary” and 2014’s “Godzilla,” uses his background in biology to bring characters to life.