Alien first-contact stories are a classic of science fiction, and they’re all the more fascinating because they can feel like predictions of a possible future. This is the book that made me fall in ...

For centuries, humans have looked up at the stars wondering if there are creatures “like us” out there. Science fiction authors have offered cautionary advice: “careful what you wish for.” What if ...

Scientists are listening in on sperm whale conversations and studying Earth's strangest microbes to prepare humanity for first contact with extraterrestrial life. Tardigrades—a type of invertebrate ...