The Best of Undark Magazine
10+ most popular Undark Magazine articles, as voted by our community.
Non-profit & editorially independent. Exploring science as a frequently wondrous, sometimes contentious, and occasionally troubling byproduct of human culture.
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As Sea Levels Rise, Tidal Power Becomes a Moving Target
To pull power from the waves, strong currents or a large tidal range are needed. Rising seas may change both.
Undark Magazine on California
The Gold Rush Returns to California
Demand for gold has risen in recent years. Not everyone is happy about that, especially some residents of Grass Valley.
Undark Magazine on Dogs
Punishment, Puppies, and Science: Bringing Dog Training to Heel
Efforts to regulate dog training have centered on studies examining the efficacy of punishment as a training tool
Undark Magazine on Future
Rethinking Authenticity in the Era of Generative AI
Opinion | The latest technology exploits people’s reflexive assumptions. It's time to recalibrate how authenticity is judged.
Undark Magazine on Genetics
Field at a Crossroads: Genetics and Racial Mythmaking
As their research is twisted to fuel racist claims, many geneticists are weighing the societal risks of their work.
Undark Magazine on Nature
How New Zealand’s Pesky Pigs Turned Into a Cash Cow
The animals evolved into ultra-resilient, disease-free predators while isolated on Auckland Island.
In Alaska, A Mystery Over Disappearing Whales
Belugas pass cultural knowledge across generations. Their survival may depend on how they collectively adapt.
Undark Magazine on Science
It Took 35 years to Get a Malaria Vaccine. Why?
The parasite’s complex biology played a role in the delay, but experts say there was also a lack of urgency and funding.
«The people who are affected by malaria, "they're not Europeans, they're not Australians, they are poor African children," said Ashley Birkett, director of the malaria vaccine initiative at PATH, a non-profit global health organization. "Unfortunately, I think we have to accept that that is part of the reason for the lack of urgency in the community."»
Experts Debate the Risks of Made-to-Order DNA
Technical advances may be making it easier to build dangerous biological materials from scratch, with few regulations.
Undark Magazine on Ukraine
Amid War, Bat Rescue Continues in Ukraine
Struggling to save trapped and injured bats, scientists endure Russian shelling and accusations of spreading bioweapons.
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How the Yurok Tribe Is Bringing Back the California Condor
The reintroduction of the long-lived, highly social birds has offered insight into the importance of parenting in the species.
The Race to Produce Green Steel
In order to reduce its carbon footprint, the steel industry is testing new technologies that don't rely on fossil fuels.
For a More Sustainable Afterlife, Try Human Composting
Opinion | Vermont recently legalized a greener alternative to cremation and burial. More states should follow suit.
The Mysteries of the Astronaut Microbiome
The human microbiome has been linked to digestion, depression, and more. How might space travel change it?
A New, Transparent AI Tool May Help Detect Blood Poisoning
The algorithm scans electronic records and may reduce sepsis deaths, but widespread adoption could be a challenge.
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