This Man Spent 30 Years Solving A Rare Bird’s Murder Mystery

for National Geographic
Published: August 2018


The Attwater prairie chicken has been on the verge of extinction for decades. Now it has one more chance.

Here’s What Placebos Can Heal—And What They Can’t

for National Geographic Book Talk
Published: Nov 27, 2016


The latest research in biochemistry reveals that your brain can actually self-medicate.

The Hidden Coastal Culture of the Ancient Maya

for Hakai
Published: November 6, 2018


For thousands of years, ancient Maya kings ruled a vast inland empire in Mexico and Belize. But just how inland was it, really?

Interview: Happening Now

for Happening Now

I appeared on a national news show to talk about the book and the cover story.

Early Warnings of Terrible Earthquakes Appear High in the Sky, a New Theory Says

for Scientific American
Published: October, 2018


The best early warnings of a big disaster may appear 180 miles above the ground, a controversial new theory says

An Ocean Apart

for Virginia Quarterly Review
Published: Spring 2015


Can two forces threatening the sustainability of sharks—the fishermen of Mexico and consumers in China—help the fish survive?

Hugh and the Boobies

for Hakai Magazine
Published: April 22, 2015


Like characters in a soap opera, boobies on a remote Mexican island cheat, kill, and jostle for power.

Feeding the Billions

for Scientific American
Published: April 2015


How a small group of visionaries are trying to feed China—and save the world's oceans.

Losing Maya Heritage to Looters

for National Geographic
Published: August 8, 2014


Stolen artifacts are making it from the Guatemalan jungle to wealthy black-market buyers.