offworld A chess set that could teach aliens how to play Laura Hudson

climate change Arctic Shipping Routes are melting early. It's good for trade, but not the planet. Thom Dunn

science fiction Chinese government releases new guidelines for science fiction Thom Dunn

china China sets up anonymous snitch-line to report strippers at funerals Cory Doctorow

construction Holdouts who refuse to sell their "nail houses" to developers Rob Beschizza

What caused the Cambrian Explosion? Peter Ward and Joe Kirschvink