In the IBM pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair, Jamy Ian Swiss encounters a computer that reveals a piece in personality, although maybe not in the way it's inventor intended.
Read MoreDarlene Cavalier: Why not put a cheerleader in the room?
Darlene Cavalier, a former professional cheerleader, had always felt like science wasn't for people like her. But then a chance conversation leads her to learn more about science, and even more about cheerleaders, than she ever imagined.
Read MoreJim O'Grady: Running from the Bronx
In a high-stakes race in high school, Jim O'Grady draws from his mother's Bronx background for inspiration.
Read MoreDavid Dobbs: Lost in your brain
When science writer David Dobbs is suddenly unable to remember how to drive his kids to school, he sets off on a quest to understand his own brain, and makes a shocking discovery.
Read MorePhoebe Cohen: Chasing rocks and bears
While hunting for fossils of some of Earth's oldest organisms, paleontologist Phoebe Cohen and her geologist friend encounter a problem with one of Earth's more recently evolved organisms.
Read MoreTom Levenson: Wide open spaces and the long road home
As a young man Tom Levenson tries to follow his deceased father's advice, and takes a wide detour that leads him to contemplate life at the base of Newton's tree.
Read MoreBlaise Allysen Kearsley: How babies are made
Writer Blaise Allysen Kearsley asks the question: how do you learn about sexuality when no one tells you anything useful, and everyone else seems to know what they're doing?
Read MoreMatt Danzico: Strangers on the Internet
In 2007, Matt Danzico engages in a massive project to show that strangers on the internet can be trusted -- and finds himself in the middle of nowhere with a broken-down bus and a stranger with a gun.
Read MoreDavid Gelles: Have fun, be safe... in an ocean
At ten years old, David Gelles finds himself abandoned and swimming in an ocean with a storm coming. Alone. Except for the pod of dolphins.
Read MoreSteven Puente: A therapist learns it's ok to cry
A young social worker, working with a military vet, discovers that part of his own shame is one of the most powerful tools in therapy.
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