Writing never gets easier, but there are certain mistakes writers can learn to avoid.

A conversation with the National Book Award-winning writer.

Siri Hustvedt recommends an “extraordinary, unusual little book.”

The novelist on having a fellow author (Paul Auster) as a spouse, and the state of mind that’s essential to good writing.

The “crossing of senses,” in perception and memory, was once considered too strange to study. Now scientists suspect it’s universal, at least in infancy.

Studying a humiliating memory from her own childhood convinced the author that we “place” what we remember, and vice versa.

The author once had a weird, wonderful vision induced by a migraine, but believes other hallucinations are common variations of pathologies.

How the emerging science of neuropsychoanalysis is reviving Sigmund Freud’s old project: analyzing the subjective experience of the individual mind.

The bizarre seizure that struck the author at her father’s memorial service launched her on an exploration of neurology, psychology, and the ancient study of buried memory.

A conversation with the novelist and author of “The Shaking Woman.”

Arthur Lerner-Lam has been through quakes, but never big ones. He wonders whether the “visceral feel” of a major shakeup should be a required part of every seismologist’s training.

No, earthquakes aren’t caused by global warming. But popular confusion about them provides a rare opportunity for science to conduct meaningful conversations with the public.

Both countries were struck by massive earthquakes, yet the scale of tragedy in Haiti was far worse. What happened in each case, and what lessons can be learned from the […]

For both citizens and government, diligent preparations can make the difference between “ho-hum” and disaster.

The chances of “The Big One” hitting California in the next few decades is near 100%. The only questions are—how big, and when?

From Haiti to Chile, China to California, earthquakes have dominated recent news. Is this a pattern or a fluke? And where might the next one hit?

How the “chaotic” process of plate tectonics works, and why scientists are getting better at predicting major shakeups.

No more pens wiggling across a piece of paper when an earthquake hits. These days, scientists are using “4-D seismology” to create a dynamic record of our volatile planet.

A conversation with the Columbia University seismologist.

Massimo Vignelli recalls his days as a “groupie” hanging out with the greatest architects of the 20th century.

Postmodernism was a passing fad, says the legendary designer. Modernism is “a discipline, not a style”—and is alive and well.

When you live in the shadow of the Vatican, “ambiguity becomes very natural” in life and art.

The celebrated designer discusses the history of typography, the popularity of the film “Helvetica,” and why there are only a dozen good fonts in the world.

The creator of iconic subway maps, city signage, and corporate logos loves seeing his work everywhere. So does his “twin brother,” his ego.

The legendary designer explains how to avoid fads, cheap tricks, and “vulgarities” of all kinds.

Massimo Vignelli divides his profession into two eras, B.C. and A.C.: Before Computer and After Computer.

In his apprentice days as a designer, Massimo Vignelli learned that versatility was the key to success.

An interview with the modernist designer and founder of Vignelli Associates.

What excites the world-renowned anthropologist about the future of his field?

As globalization continues and the spread of genes between disparate populations increases, our biological features are likely to become more homogeneous. Culture, meanwhile, will continue to evolve at an explosive […]