The subject of the award-winning film The Theory of Everything, physicist Stephen Hawking has changed our understanding of the universe while undergoing substantial changes in his own life.
Category Archives: Responses to Change
Captured: The moment photosynthesis changed the world
Humans can’t survive without oxygen, but just how did earth’s atmosphere wind up with the perfect amount of oxygen for us in the first place? Here’s a look at the change that made our existence possible.
Emergency Response Plan
When a crisis occurs in a large building, it’s difficult to know what everyone should do and where they should go. This site from the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides guidance that can save lives.
The peppered moth: A black and white story after all
England’s peppered moths provide a classic example of how a species adapts to changing environmental conditions. In this journal article, scientist Jim Mallet discusses not only changes in the moths themselves, but also changes in how their story has been interpreted.
Frog Fable Brought to Boil
We’ve all heard the analogy of the frog that allows itself to be boiled to death because it doesn’t notice the gradual change of temperature in the pot. People often cite this story to show the danger of overlooking a gradual change—but of course, it’s completely false. A noted science writer explains the truth.
Bioluminescent Art: Beautiful Bacteria Glow in the Dark
Changes that happen in nature can be a source of surprising art. In this article, Anna Norris discusses how microbiology and visual design merge to create a new art form.
The Battered Old Car That Drove My Father’s American Dream
For one child of immigrants, a hated car symbolized the difficulty of adjusting to a new life in the United States. Journalist Joanna Kikissis shares her story.
Metamorphosis: Animal Shape-Shifters
A human can’t change into an insect, but the process of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly is mysterious and fascinating enough. British university professor Stuart Reynolds explains how it happens.
The Day the Universe Changed
With each new gadget, tech companies declare that everything has changed. Whether that’s true will remain to be seen, of course. Looking back, though, it’s far easier to see clearly what discoveries and inventions really did change everything. In this fascinating 10-part series, James Burke examines the advances that altered our world.
A Youth Renaissance for Native Americans
How do Native American tribes keep their cultures alive while still responding to the changing world around them? Filmmaker Chris Eyre shares his thoughts and hopes.
Climate Change Is Inevitable — It’s Time to Adapt
Scientists assert that climate change is inevitable. The good news, however, is that humans can adapt to it. Read this article to learn one writer’s opinion about how we can do that.
Inside the Teenage Brain
Adolescence is a time of great change. Learn more about the changes your brain is undergoing and the effects of those changes.