'To Save One Life Is to Save Humanity'
Five years into Syria's civil war, the country's Syrian Civil Defense workers have saved more than 40,000 lives on both sides of the fight.
In Focus
North Sea Ailing
Texel Island, the Netherlands—Three out of five beached sperm whales are pictured on January 13; all of them died after being stranded for several hours. According to the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, a group beaching is especially rare in the Netherlands, as the North Sea is too shallow for the deep-diving mammals. Sperm whales can measure up to 60 feet and weigh up to 50 tons. Officials are investigating what caused the whales to be stranded. In the same week, dozens of short-finned pilot whales were beached in Tamil Nadu, India, and at least 73 died.
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Periscope
The West got a pass in the last Asian financial crisis. Not this time.
How Methane Gas Made an L.A. Neighborhood a Ghost Town
In Southern California, a huge environmental disaster has been unraveling for months, killing the ozone layer and driving out residents.
Can Mahmoud Abbas Prevent a Third Intifada?
The Palestinian president is doing all he can to prevent a Third Intifada while dealing with a population overwhelmingly in favor of attacks.
'Mein Kampf' Sells Out German Print Run
Long out of print in Germany, Hitler's manifesto sells out in new edition.
Horizons
The Airbus A350 XWB has an LED lighting system that is meant to keep your circadian rhythm on beat.
Silicon Valley Still Doesn't Get 'Old'
Devices and apps that cater to the elderly aren't sexy, but they're vital.
Seeking Cures in Kentucky Coal Mines
Microorganisms that survive the most inhospitable conditions on Earth might help treat some of the deadliest diseases.
X-Rays Reveal the Secrets of Egyptian Scrolls
New technologies are enabling conservators to extract ancient texts from papyrus before it turns to dust.
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Downtime
A fundamentalist Christian organization's $101 million project has been the subject of a bitter lawsuit.
Connor Halliday Has Come So Far, but Remains 1 Yard Shy
The former Washington State quarterback led the nation in passing last year, and is now completely out of the game.
The Eleanor Friedberger Guide to the Hudson Valley
The indie songwriter, whose move to upstate New York inspired a new life and new record, shares five of her favorite local spots.
God's Grocer: The Delights of Pope Francis' Farm Shop
To mark a holy year, Pope Francis has opened up his farm and its shop to the curious and the hungry.
A Bumpy Ride In Copenhagen, The City of Cycling
Copenhagen's newest bike lane will hang between two skyscrapers—but will locals ever get to ride it?
Boutique Perfumery Ormonde Jayne's Heaven Scent Sorcery
Boutique perfumery Ormonde Jayne captures some of the world's most exotic fragrances.