Surprising Science — March 4, 2014

Caught in an Avalanche

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

An avalanche can catch a thrill-seeker by surprise. What triggers white fluffy snow to turn into a tsunami? This video from the Science Channel explains the science of an avalanche and takes you inside a true survival story.

Image credit: Somewheregladlybeyond/Flickr

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The head of a man and a woman are shown side by side in a research study focused on ketamine and depression.

Neuropsych

A vaccine for depression

Ketamine’s remarkable effect bolsters a new theory of mental illness.

A group of people look at a display of Neanderthal artifacts.

The Past

Neanderthals: More knowable now than ever

They have held our fascination ever since we first identified their remains.

A collection of hard-to-finish books on a pink background.

High Culture

7 great but notoriously hard-to-finish books

These hard-to-finish books are still worth the effort.

Starts With A Bang

Can technology save astronomy from light pollution?

With LEDs bringing brighter nighttime lighting than ever before, and thousands of new satellites polluting the skies, astronomy needs help.

High Culture

The Rocky Horror Picture Show has surprising roots in Victorian seances

“Time Warp” all the way back to 1800s spiritualism, magic performances, and spook shows.

Up Next

Words of Wisdom

William Carlos Williams on Being Different

“If they give you lined paper, write the other way.” – William Carlos Williams