risk taking

Every medical intervention—even one with a centuries-long history—brings dangers, some of which become clear only later.

Researchers tease out the effects of the two cravings by having participants gamble for the chance to satisfy them.

The author of a new book explains the dangers of orthodoxy in science and beyond.

Biotech entrepreneur and Reading Frames author Safi Bahcall speaks about the emergent nature of invention.

Chronic stress tweaks a circuit in the brain that influences how lab rodents make tough decisions. 

Excellence schmexellence; thinking outside the biomedical box; homeopathy journal sunk by self-citation

Researchers identify and manipulate a signal in the brains of rats that controls risky behavior.

Researchers are showing that ambiguity can be essential to brain development.

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?

May 2014's selection of notable quotes

Meet some of the people featured in the September 2012 issue of The Scientist.

Using scientific information as narrative can be a powerful way to communicate.