Topic: Boston University

Mosque near ground zero controversy simmers ... with media help

The mosque near ground zero debate is still percolating partly because the topic is so well suited to blogs and talk shows.

What will the new economy look like?

The economy will never return to its bubble state. That's a good thing.

Craigslist killer suspect's suicide riles victim's family

Craigslist killer suspect Philip Markoff's suicide denies the victim's family members a chance to confront him in court.

Craigslist killer suspect Philip Markoff found dead

Craigslist killer suspect Philip Markoff was found dead in a jail cell where he was awaiting trial, say Massachusetts authorities. Police suspect Markoff committed suicide. The 2009 murder case prompted Craiglist to examine its policy toward posting erotic photos and ads for prostitution.

Horrible fungus driving bug-loving brown bats to extinction

Tiny brown bats are in danger of going extinct in the Northeast, with a white nose fungus blamed for killing millions of the animals.

Opinion: Gay marriage: Why Judge Walker got Proposition 8 ruling wrong

There's much to admire in Judge Walker's gay marriage opinion. But marriage doesn't exist to provide benefits for couples in love. Its purpose is to protect female sexuality and human liberty, and thus ensure the survival of the human race.

What can save Gulf's fragile coastal wetlands? Salt water, perhaps.

Saltwater marshes on the Gulf Coast are far more resilient than freshwater marshes, new research finds. The results could reframe how scientists work to stop the chronic erosion of coastal wetlands in the Gulf.

As 2011 Ford Explorer turns heads, so does its marketing campaign

The Facebook campaign for the 2011 Ford Explorer illustrates how corporations increasingly rely on social media to reach consumers.

A NATO bid to win the Afghanistan war, one shura at a time

The Canadian Army in Kandahar meets weekly with village elders and local officials, part of the Afghanistan war strategy to build a responsive government.

Water on Mars flowed not too long ago, it turns out

Water on Mars flowed as recently as several hundred million years ago, much later than had been previously believed, researchers say.

General McChrystal: Rolling Stone story a sign of frustration?

The remarks by General McChrystal in Rolling Stone magazine reflect mounting frustration all around with an Afghanistan war effort seemingly in growing disarray – although that doesn’t excuse the conduct, experts say.

Arrests in US, Yemen sharpen focus on 'homegrown terrorism'

Recent arrests in New York, Texas, and Yemen could support the trend of Americans heading abroad for terrorism training. But do the US and Yemen have conflicting security interests?

Turkey-Israel crisis: Why the formerly obscure IHH is playing a key role

Turkey-Israel ties have been shattered by Monday's raid on the IHH-owned Mavi Mamara, the largest boat in the Gaza 'Freedom Flotilla.' Turkey's push for democracy has given the IHH new prominence.

24 finale is probably not so finale

The 24 finale is barely over, but the Internet is already abuzz about a 24 movie. With Hollywood struggling and studio executives looking to tap a built-in TV fan base, the series has a good chance of making it to the big screen soon.

Lost finale: Raking in ad dollars is harder than with earlier series finales

Although advertisers paid $900,000 for a 30-second spot, earlier series got more ad dollars than the Lost finale because they had bigger audiences and less Internet interference.

Opinion: Questions about God: Don't assume all religions offer similar answers

The idea that all religions are beautiful, true, and essentially the same is a well-intentioned but dangerous myth. It’s time we studied religious differences seriously.

Sports in the US: Year-round madness

From the bracketology of March Madness to ESPN Everything, sports has become one of the most pervasive forces in American culture. Is it a great unifying force or a sign of misplaced priorities?

April Fools' Day history? Be wary of those who say they know.

April Fools' Day history is murky, and nobody knows its origins. So beware any Boston University professors who claim it originated in the court of Constantine.

April Fools' pranks from around the world: Top 10

April Fools' pranks and jokes are happening around the world today, from Iraq to Sweden. Ever hear about the prank Uday pulled on his dad Saddam Hussein?

Opinion: Cesar Chavez and Hugo Chávez: more alike than they are different

Cesar Chavez and Hugo Chávez may have different reputations, but they both offer lessons for progress in America.

Eureka! Large Hadron Collider fires up, smashes protons

Years in development, the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva on Tuesday achieved its first proton-on-proton collisions at higher energy levels than scientists have ever seen before. They'll study images of the particles for clues to the nature of matter and the universe.

Iraq and Afghanistan: America's invisible wars

After seven years in Iraq and nine in Afghanistan, residents of York, Pa., talk about how the wars have become like a screen saver: always there but rarely acknowledged.

NCAA tournament not enough? There’s more college basketball around.

Global warming doubts could hamper climate legislation

With more people expressing doubts about global warming, passing climate legislation in Congress will be more difficult.