
A Visual History of the Future
Decades ago, artists’ imaginings formed high expectations about the world to come. Were these just fantasies–or was it the work of pioneers whose visions of the future actually helped to shape it?
Disability Futures
We can’t think about the future-of health, of technology, of community-without centering disability; it cuts across every other kind of experience. Disability is central to all of our lives.
A Noxious Problem
Smog in cities and smoke in the home cause a huge range of short- and long-term health conditions. Why is the world’s biggest public health crisis only getting worse?

Beats: Disability
“Disable” is an active verb, and disability describes the social and environmental barriers that prevent access just as much as an individual body’s physical reality.

Beats: Health
Access to health care is as much a matter of public policy as it is the size of a person’s pocketbook; within a doctor’s office, many factors affect the quality of treatment.


In Praise of SETI@home
The screen saver helped scientists search for extraterrestrial life-and made the early web feel like a more idealistic, collaborative space.
This Knowledge From 40,000 Years Ago Is Saving River Systems
Scientists are working with indigenous communities for better water management.