Society

Gene editing scrambles a family's connections in this original sci-fi story for NEO.LIFE.

Seeing the universe as it is gives us strength rooted in humility. by Eliot Peper

The first company to offer whole genome sequencing for free can build the most valuable advertising engine in the world. by Andrew Hessel

Student competitors turn jellyfish, microorganisms, and even hair cells into useful things.

I am not afraid of the prospect of editing human genes. If we do it thoughtfully, it can be a gift to future generations.

Hackers take on everything that makes breastfeeding harder than it should be.

Gene editing will make plants hardier and healthier. Hopefully people won’t freak out.

Stanford bioengineer Drew Endy doesn’t mind bringing dragons to life. What really scares him are humans. by David Ewing Duncan

The same device that is driving you crazy could hold the keys to solving our mental health crisis.

When artificial sperm and eggs become a reality, the sex of your babymaking partner won't matter.

What “Frankenstein” and the golem tell us about the power and responsibility of science.

Leave it to the Brits to invent a synthetic alcohol that gets you properly pickled and doesn’t make you feel poisoned.

But can they manufacture it at scale?

Geoffrey West’s monumental book “Scale” channels math and physics to explore the limits of our biology, our companies, and our civilization. by Esther Dyson

Back by popular demand: more great reading recommendations from people shaping the future of our species.