Science touches so many aspects of modern life that it’s hard to keep up. Through our programs and this website, Science for the Public provides up-to-date information about scientific innovations, discoveries, and issues that are shaping modern knowledge.
What's so important about an atmosphere? Find out here.
Many of the most important advances in scientific understanding were initially rejected or ignored.
In an era of global science, other nations are increasing their science budgets. Why aren't we?
The Pioneer Valley Coral and Natural Sciences Institute has a two-fold mission: to research materials to marine scientists; and to provide opportunities for young learners to get hands-on laboratory experience.
The challenges of research on medical marijuana, as experienced by a UMass-Amherst scientist.
From the first moments of the universe to the formation of atoms ...
Hibernation, dormancy, suspended animation, revival from apparent death; the line between life and death...
What caused Earth's five mass extinctions --and are we headed for a sixth? Andrew Knoll
New approaches and new technologies offer fresh understanding of antibiotic resistance, and real solutions to the problem. Gautam Dantas
A fascinating explanation of the complex relationship between the oceans and atmosphere --and how that balance makes the planet function. Amala Mahadevan
An update on the work at the Large Hadron Collider. Markus Klute
More than one in five Americans now takes a psychiatric medication. But long-term results are poor. A major author on the subject discusses more effective initiatives. Robert Whitaker
How effective are offshore wind farms in nations that have developed them, and why has the US been slow to recognize the enormous potential of this energy resource? Andrew Myers
How the different components of the forest ecosystem (soils, microbes, plant species) respond to our rapidly changing climate. Adrien Finzi
Proof that massive stars would form black holes was rejected because of bias.
From the Big Bang to parallel universes... Max Tegmark
Did the ancient moon have a magnetic field like Earth's? And why do scientists need to know? Benjamin Weiss
How microbes and their communities evolve and what the process means for us. Christopher Marx
Two young scientists at the famous Jack Szostak Lab explain research issues, Matthew Powner and Utay Budin
A distinguished authority on Earth's geochemical systems explains the deep relationship between life and planetary environment. Charles Langmuir
How a combination of innovative conservation techniques and involvement of local villages is combating damage in the Himalayas. Kamal Bawa
Important insights into the brain from research on anesthesia, coma and sleep. Emery N. Brown
Many nations prohibit GMO foods, but the US doesn't even require labeling. What can science tell us about GMOs? Sheldon Krimsky
Desalination offers a solution to the water shortage problem... John Lienhard V
Materials scientist Javier Fernandez discusses the "plastisphere" crisis and how it motivated the development of biodegradable "shrilk."
A major geologist who connects the relationship between rocks and life
An expert on the physical mechanisms of cells explains the implications of the random decisions cells make.