Surprising Science — November 30, 2010

A Timeline of the AIDS Epidemic

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the epidemic. Here is a look back at the successes and disappointments of the past couple decades.

[Click timeline to enlarge]

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A robotic prosthetic arm with visible internal mechanisms, wires, and a mechanical hand. Labels such as "SFU" and "BESOM" are visible on the arm casing.

The Present

The Cybathlon: Bionic athletes compete for the gold — and push assistive technologies forward

In the international competition, people with physical disabilities put state-of-the-art devices to the test as they race to complete the tasks of everyday life.

A white lab mouse sits in a glass petri dish, cradled gently by hands clad in blue gloves. The captivating scene underscores the crucial role of lab mice in scientific research and discovery.

Life

Scientists kill 192 million lab mice each year. Is there a better way?

Can laboratories become more humane, or is it time to end animal research altogether?

A rocket launches into the sky against a sunset backdrop, with "T-MINUS" text overlay in bold letters.

The Future

T-Minus: 10 milestones in commercial spaceflight

Reusable rockets, moon landers, civilian astronauts, and more.

Black and white image of two people in hats with "The End" text, next to a red-toned anatomical illustration of a heart.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: Why does heartbreak hurt?

How can “you” move on when the old “you” is gone?

A group of five people stands in front of a brown van, channeling their inner Richard Feynman. The background features a wall adorned with lush plants, setting the perfect scene for these everyday heroes.

Starts With A Bang

Ask Ethan: Why isn’t Richard Feynman your personal hero?

One of the 20th century’s most famous, influential, and successful physicists is lauded the world over. But Feynman is no hero to me.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

I Can’t Believe I Forgot to Have Children: NY Mag on the Pill

Oh, look, Vanessa Grigoriadis has a another very polished but utterly vacuous feature in New York Magazine. She’s marking the 50th anniversary of the approval of the Pill with some […]