books

Junk DNA, Cuckoo, Sapiens, and Cool

The tale of p53, a widely studied tumor suppressor gene, illustrates the inventiveness of researchers who turn mishaps into discoveries.

In Chapter 12, "Of Mice and Men," author Sue Armstrong recounts the point at which researchers moved from working with p53 in tissue culture to studying the gene in animal models.

In Chapter 4, “A Show-Me State of Mind,” author Alice Dreger describes the start of her journey studying scientists who had conducted controversial research.

How to navigate the slings and arrows of conducting “controversial” research

In the introduction to his latest book, author Melvin Konner explains why he considers maleness a departure from normal physiology.

Touch, The Altruistic Brain, Is Shame Necessary?, and Future Arctic

The era of human male domination is ending. Will modern culture welcome the dawn of a new gender equality?

In Chapter 1, “Yin and Yang,” author Roberta B. Ness explores the dynamic tension between innovation and risk aversion in science past and present.

Is the fear of funding and doing fundamental, risky research killing our ability to make breakthroughs?

Does Altruism Exist?, Ancestors in Our Genome, Fred Sanger—Double Nobel Laureate, and Stiffs, Skulls & Skeletons

Your Atomic Self, Eureka!, A Talent for Friendship, and Undeniable

In Chapter 7, “Green Evolution, Green Revolution,” author John Archibald describes how endosymbiosis helped color the Earth in a verdant hue.

Leonardo's Brain, The Future of the Brain, Dodging Extinction, and Arrival of the Fittest

The history of cetaceans can serve as a model for both evolutionary dynamics and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In Chapter 1, “Fossils and War,” author J.G.M. “Hans” Thewissen describes the difficulties of conducting field research in a conflict zone.

Meet some of the people featured in the October 2014 issue of The Scientist.

Bed bugs are but one example of a species whose populations have evolved in response to human behavior.

In chapter 5, “Resurgence: Bedbugs Bite Back,” author Emily Monosson chronicles the rise of the pesky pests in the face of humanity’s best chemical efforts.

Meet some of the people featured in the September issue of The Scientist.