Opening The New Yorker Archives

The New Yorker's archives freely unfold, space plant photography, the science behind tattoos and more in our weekly look at the web

With the launch of their redesign and in preparation for their upcoming pay wall, The New Yorker has opened up its archives free to the public—temporarily. All issues from 2007 to date are available to peruse and, to help navigate, The New Yorker editors have offered up some tips on must-read pieces.

Bonsai Trees In Space

The New Yorker's archives freely unfold, space plant photography, the science behind tattoos and more in our weekly look at the web

Tokyo-based artist Azuma Makoto isn’t interested in discovering the possibility of life on other planets—he’s interested in sending life from Earth beyond it. Strapping a bonsai tree, orchids, lilies and other plants to a balloon, the artist juxtaposes the symbols of life against the backdrop of the stratosphere. While the work “Exobiotanica” claims to transform these plants into extraterrestrial life, it also reminds us of …

Why Tattoos Are Permanent

The New Yorker's archives freely unfold, space plant photography, the science behind tattoos and more in our weekly look at the web

It seems pretty straight-forward why tattoos stick around forever. But as recently explained in a TED Ed video, the reason is more complicated than one may imagine. With each needle prick from the tattoo machine, the body is alerted of a fresh wound, and thus begins the inflammatory healing process. Over time, some pigment is disposed of internally, while other bits are absorbed by skin …