Inquiring Minds

Each week we bring you a new, in-depth exploration of the space where science and society collide. We’re committed to the idea that making an effort to understand the world around you though science and critical thinking can benefit everyone—and lead to better decisions. We want to find out what’s true, what’s left to discover, and why it all matters.

Book cover of Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach
Biological Sciences

Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal

“America’s funniest science writer” (Washington Post) takes us down the hatch on an unforgettable tour. The alimentary canal is classic Mary Roach terrain: the questions explored in Gulp are as taboo, in their way, as the cadavers in Stiff and every bit as surreal as the universe of zero gravity explored in Packing for Mars. Why is crunchy food so appealing? Why is it so hard to find words for flavors and smells? Why doesn’t the stomach digest itself? How much can you eat before your stomach bursts? Can constipation kill you? Did it kill Elvis […Learn More]

Book cover of Mom Genes: Inside the New Science of Our Ancient Maternal Instinct by Abigail Tucker
Biological Sciences

Mom Genes: Inside the New Science of Our Ancient Maternal Instinct

Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Lion in the Living Room comes a fascinating and provocative exploration of the biology of motherhood that “is witty, reassuring, and takes motherhood out of the footnotes and places it front and center—where it belongs” (Louann Brizendine, MD, New York Times bestselling author). […Learn More]

Book cover of As the World Burns: The New Generation of Activists and the Landmark Legal Fight Against Climate Change by Lee van der Voo
Earth Sciences

As the World Burns: The New Generation of Activists and the Landmark Legal Fight Against Climate Change

Do our children have a right to inherit a livable planet? Is the government obliged to protect it? Twenty-one young people from across America have sued the federal government over climate change, charging that actions promoting a fossil fuel economy violate their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. Their trial could be the civil rights trial of the century, but the government has used arcane legal tactics to stymie its progress at every turn. […Learn More]

Book cover of The Fish Market: Inside the Big-Money Battle for the Ocean and Your Dinner Plate by Lee van der Voo
Biological Sciences

The Fish Market: Inside the Big-Money Battle for the Ocean and Your Dinner Plate

Gulf Wild — the first seafood brand in America to trace each fish from the sea to the table — emerged after grouper, the star of fried fish sandwiches, fell off menus due to overfishing. The brand was born when the government privatized the rights to fish to fix the problem. Through traceability, Gulf Wild has met burgeoning consumer demand for domestic, sustainable seafood, selling in boutique grocers and catapulting grouper from the hamburger bun to the white tablecloth. […Learn More]

Book cover of Storm in a Teacup: The Physics of Everyday Life by Helen Czerski
Astronomy & Space Science

Storm in a Teacup: The Physics of Everyday Life

Storm in a Teacup is Helen Czerski’s lively, entertaining, and richly informed introduction to the world of physics. Czerski provides the tools to alter the way we see everything around us by linking ordinary objects and occurrences, like popcorn popping, coffee stains, and fridge magnets, to big ideas like climate change, the energy crisis, or innovative medical testing. […Learn More]

Book cover of The Secret Life of Secrets: How Our Inner Worlds Shape Well-Being, Relationships, and Who We Are by Michael Slepian
Health and Psychology

The Secret Life of Secrets: How Our Inner Worlds Shape Well-Being, Relationships, and Who We Are

Think of a secret that you’re keeping from others. It shouldn’t take long; behavioral scientist Michael Slepian finds that, on average, we are keeping as many as thirteen secrets at any given time. His research involving more than 50,000 participants from around the world shows that the most common secrets include lies we’ve told, ambitions, addictions, mental health challenges, hidden relationships, and financial struggles. […Learn More]