Features 2023

Depression treatment with mushrooming potential

“Magic mushrooms” show great promise for treating stubborn depression. And research at UCSC could someday lead to a pill that delivers these psychedelics’ therapeutic promise without hallucinations, Anna Marie Yanny reports. Illustrations by Julia Kawai and Mica Carr.

The Science and Art of Saving Joshua Trees

The Science and Art of Saving Joshua Trees Joshua trees are stressed under environmental and human threats. Roxanne Hoorn reports on one artist and scientist’s fight to save them. Illustrated by Audrey Sauble and Emily Mitchell.   Illustration: Audrey...

PHOCASing on the Positive

Tunu has lived an unusual life. His journey — from Alaska to California and back to Alaska — has taken him to places that others of his kind will never see.

Breaking Ground

On the San Andreas Fault, a team of geologists has found evidence of powerful earthquakes from farther back in time than ever before. But California’s deep seismic history remains difficult to pin down.

Bringing Abortion Pills to Pharmacies

Bringing Abortion Pills to Pharmacies For the first time ever, medication abortion is allowed to be dispensed in pharmacies. This policy change stems from the work of dedicated scientists, Kate Hull reports. Illustration by Erin Ellis. Illustration: Erin Ellis Alex...