In recent decades, South Africans who can afford it have erected ever more daunting walls around their homes to keep out crime. One South African writer argues that only removing or lowering the walls will improve the situation.
Author Archives: Mikki Gibson
Mountains and planning lessened punch by Hurricane Patricia
Hurricane Patricia, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the western hemisphere, did remarkably little damage to the Mexican coast where it made landfall. Find out what natural forces caused it to form and to dissipate so rapidly.
Hurricane Katrina: Then and Now
Ten years after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the recovery of New Orleans continues. See the progress from 2005 to 2015 in this photo essay.
Fake memory implanted in mice with a beam of light
If you can’t trust your own memory, what can you trust? Researchers have discovered a way to change how mice view a location by creating a false memory of it in targeted neurons.
The heroes of the French train attack have given us all a gift—hope
The passengers who thwarted an armed assailant on a European train didn’t just save dozens of lives. They also inspired hope and action around the world.
Decades Later, Photographer Searches for Gandhi’s Legacy
Recently, National Geographic gave a young photographer from Azerbaijan a daunting assignment: Create a photo essay about Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi, who died in 1948. Rena Effendi discusses how she tackled this task.
Review: Kate Tempest, a Young Poet Conjuring Ancient Gods
Kate Tempest followed up her powerful piece “My Shakespeare” with award-winning poetry and breathtaking rap performances.
Indian Country Diaries: The Urban Relocation Program
In the 1950s, Native Americans were encouraged to move from reservations into urban areas. Learn more about how and why this relocation program happened and what the results were.
The Land of Big Groceries, Big God, and Smooth Traffic: What Surprises First-Time Visitors to America
While the United States is home to the most diverse population on Earth, our dominant culture can still shock those who are new to it.
Marie Colvin obituary
Learn about the fearless and passionate life of the unforgettable war correspondent Marie Colvin.
Lanterns That Carried Prayers
Traditional paper lanterns don’t just create beauty; they also carry deep symbolism. Read about how one small community in Hawaii came together to express their grief through a display of handmade lanterns.
Germany’s leap of faith in migrant crisis
With migrants from Syria and other troubled locales flooding into Europe comes an opportunity for one nation to change its image.
Reforestation
One response to a drastic change is to make things the way they were before. Reforestation attempts to restore forests to their previous state following wildfires or logging.
World Press Freedom Index
Freedom of the press is an essential liberty guaranteed in the U.S. by the First Amendment. Use this interactive map to find out how other countries rate.
There’s No Such Thing as Everlasting Love (According to Science)
What if Romeo and Juliet sacrificed their lives for an illusion?
The Psychology Behind Superhero Origin Stories
Why is it that in every superhero story, the hero never springs fully-formed into action? What’s so important about knowing why each superhero has the special powers he or she does?
Modern ‘Macbeth’ spills blood in the kitchen
Among the many resettings of Shakepeare’s powerful exploration of ambition at all costs is a BBC version set in the kitchen of a modern high-end restaurant. How well does a tale of medieval regicide translate to 21st-century TV chef wars? Find out in this review.
The Gettysburg Address
Abraham Lincoln’s brief, powerful speech still resonates today. Find out more about the circumstances in which he delivered it.
RACE: Are We So Different?
Despite apparent differences among people whose ancestors came from different part of the world, all humans can be traced back to a shared beginning. This interactive site explores our assumptions about the idea of race.
Children’s author Eric Carle reconnects with lost Syracuse friend after 82 years
You’re probably familiar with author and illustrator Eric Carle’s many works for very young readers. One of his books, “Friends,” stemmed from the hope of finding a long-lost friend known only from a single old photograph.