Born without a right pectoral muscle, John Trumbo has always felt defective, but then he discovers a possible solution, and Emma Yarbrough discovers there’s more to her unusual height than she’d thought.
Read MoreFear: Stories of daring adventures in science
Erik Klemetti starts to question his decision to become a geologist when a 20,000-foot volcano in Chile, proves difficult to tame, and explorer George Kourounis prepares to enter a fiery sinkhole known as the “Doorway to Hell.”
Read MoreRescue: Stories about taking care of others
Science writer Kate Sheridan falls in love with a man who suffers from paralyzing headaches, and math teacher Giselle George-Gilkes is on a trip with her students when she receives terrible news from home.
Read MoreCancer Sucks: Stories from cancer survivors
Gail Thomas clashes with her oncologist while deciding how to fight her cancer, and as a marathon runner, Pierce McManus prides himself on his toughness — but then he begins coughing up blood.
Read MoreSense of Touch: Stories about the power of contact
Science journalist Sushma Subramanian experiments with haptic technology to connect with her long-distance fiance, and Nick Andersen’s type 1 diabetes begins to affect his dating life.
Read MoreOverwhelmed: Stories about being in over our heads
Fiona Calvert is a crier — but when she starts her PhD, she promises herself she’ll never cry in front of her colleagues, and after graduating with his PhD, Shane Hanlon struggles to find balance in his science career.
Read MoreScience Saved My Life: Stories about life-saving passion
When Cailin Gallinger struggles with her gender identity in college, her volunteer position in a plant lab becomes a lifeline, and in the midst of homelessness and abuse, Rose DF dreams of a life in science.
Read MoreFollowing Directions: Stories about improvising
Comedian Joseph Scrimshaw is terrified of messing up when his new museum job requires him to bake, and science writer Cassandra WIllyard is frustrated by the restrictions put on her during her pregnancy.
Read MoreExpectations: Stories about surprising discoveries
Neuroscientists Susana Martinez-Conde and Stephen Macknik are surprised by what they learn when they investigate deception at a psychic convention, and while working in the South Sudan, OB-GYN Africa Stewart must wait for an elder's permission before treating a pregnant woman gored by a bull.
Read MoreTrials by Fire: Stories about difficult paths to science
When Evelyn Valdez-Ward discovers that she's undocumented, she fears her dreams of becoming a scientist are over, and growing up during the Nigerian Civil War inspires Samuel Achilefu's passion for science.
Read More