All Stories by Erin Wayman

  1. Tech

    Recycling rare-earth elements is hard — but worth it

    As demand for these valuable metals has been skyrocketing, scientists have begun inventing new — and greener — ways to reuse what they have in hand.

  2. Humans

    Genetics show humans likely trace back to Africa

    Our history began looking ever more complex once geneticists revealed our ancestors picked up new DNA as they traveled across time and continents.

  3. Humans

    The ultimate genealogical search hunts for our earliest ancestors

    The complex search to identify humans’ most distant cousins is long, complex and far from straightforward. It’s also far from over.

  4. Animals

    The moon has power over animals

    The moon is known for its tidal effects. But its light also can exert a powerful influence on animals large and small.

  5. Planets

    Does the moon influence people?

    Unless you believe in werewolves (and you shouldn’t), there are few compelling data to suggest the moon has a big effect on people.

  6. How teachers cultivate young scientists

    SSP Fellows share tips on how to introduce research into the classroom.

  7. Humans

    World’s oldest pots

    Ice age people made cookware long before the rise of farming.

  8. Earth

    Big quake, little destruction

    A large earthquake rattles Indonesia without unleashing a damaging tsunami.