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?
Darren Garrett

The Roots of an Epidemic

From apartheid labor policies to everyday sexism, socio-political issues influence the spread of TB disease and the effectiveness of health responses. To tackle the epidemic, we need systemic changes.
Paula Akugizibwe

Fowl Plague

Pandemics have threatened humanity in the past–and avian influenza may well be the next one due.
Duncan Geere

Beats: Space

Space is where we project our dreams–and our nightmares–of the future.

Beats: Food

Food structures our day, and food systems shape our world

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.

The Rise and Fall of Unusual Instruments

Why did some of the 20th century’s most radically experimental instruments succeed–and others fail?
Ian Steadman
3 min read

Making Music From Bridges, Carrots, Guns, a Pig, and More

Most things can be an instrument, as long as you’re dedicated enough
Alice Bell
2 min read

Why We Shouldn’t Teach Girls to Code

Women shouldn’t be fighting for existing work–they should be inventing, designing, prototyping, and coding a new ideal of what work can be.
Susan Cox-Smith
10 min read