Could robots take over from humans in disaster recovery? Scientists at Virginia Tech think so. Learn about their work with robotic disaster response here.
Tag Archives: Current Events
Anna Kendrick’s ‘Indianna Jones’: Should a woman don the fedora for real?
Read about Hollywood’s recent trend of casting women in roles made famous by men, including in the re-make of the 1980s blockbuster Ghostbusters.
Nellie Bly: Google Doodle’s 1st original song (Karen O) salutes an American original
In the late 1800s, investigative journalist Nellie Bly reported on issues that shed light on people who were disadvantaged and voiceless. Recently Google paid tribute to her by featuring an original song about her contributions as its daily Google Doodle.
How social media is helping Nepal rebuild after two big earthquakes
As the effects of the recent earthquake in Nepal became clear, many people have turned to social media to help them locate loved ones and help those affected.
Why Air Force Cadets Ought to Study Philosophy
An admiral realized that the Air Force Academy studies in STEM subjects should be balanced with humanities courses. Find out why the Academy thinks these courses will help young people as they grow into adulthood and face present-day challenges.
California’s worst drought in 1,200 years in pictures
This series of images shows the devastating effect of the drought in California which has led to sweeping state-wide water restrictions for the first time in history .
Harriet Tubman Wins Unofficial Vote to Be on $20 Bill
With more than 33 percent of ballots cast in an online poll, Harriet Tubman emerged as the face that people want to see on a new $20 bill.
Announcing the Finalists of the 12th Annual Smithsonian.com Photo Contest
See some amazing photographs showing nature at work in this year’s photo contest finalists for Smithsonian.com.
Bombing Survivor Rebekah Gregory On Marathon: ‘I Took My Life Back Today’
Returning to the race that caused her to become an amputee, Boston Marathon bombing victim Rebekah Gregory has crossed the finish line.
Iraq’s Cycles of Revenge
In this opinion piece, the editorial board of The New York Times argues that progress in Iraq has been interrupted by cycles of revenge between sects.
Could Paternity Leave Policies Close the Wage Gap?
In this article, business writer Vivian Giang argues that offering fathers more paternity leave will decrease the gender gap.
Finishing the Dream
Great civil rights advances have been achieved in the United States, but there is still much to be done for the full equality of all. Explore this NBC site to learn about how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.
Litter To Your Heart’s Content With This Seed-Bomb Coffee Cup
As consumers, do we give enough thought to the amount of waste we generate or where it ends up? This Kickstarter project aims to educate consumers about their waste by producing a coffee cup that can be used to grow plants or trees.
Kepler Discovers Solar System’s Ancient ‘Twin’
Astronomers studying data from NASA’s Kepler spacecraft have discovered a star that’s 11.2 billion years old and has at least five Earth-size planets.
Girl helps paramedics through sign language skills
A 10-year-old girl who learned sign language from her mother found herself putting it to use in an unexpected way.
Malala Yousafzai’s Courage
Much has been written about Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning teen from Pakistan’s rugged mountain region who continues to push for education for girls despite death threats. Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion columnist Leonard Pitts shares his thoughts.
Antioch Teens Raising Money to Help Orphans in Ethiopia
In 2014, Nubia Wilson turned 16. But instead of celebrating with a glitzy Sweet 16 party, this California teen committed her milestone to improving the lives of orphans in Ethiopia.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes in Marathon des Sables record bid
Renowned explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is to complete the “toughest footrace on Earth” – the Marathon des Sables in Morocco.
Interview: Alex Kotlowitz
Journalist Alex Kotlowitz has spent his career reporting on violence in Chicago. In this article he reflects on his 20-year career and gives advice on what he thinks can alleviate the city’s issues.
Protesters Out to Reclaim King’s Legacy, but in Era That Defies Comparison
With social unrest over race and inequality rising, protesters attempt to mold Martin Luther King’s tactics to today’s issues and technology.