Vol. 170 No. 23
COVER
Morality and empathy are writ deep in our genes. Alas, so are savagery and bloodlust. Science is now learning what makes us both noble and terrible--and perhaps what can make us better
HEALTH & MEDICINE
The new stem-cell breakthrough is the scientific bulletin of the year, but 2007 provided a whole alphabet of medical news, as TIME's A-to-Z guide shows
NATION
With Congress trying to do something about global warming, even the candidates are sensing the new mood
Obama's Iowa Surge (The Well / Nation)
The Illinois Senator is fired up--most of the time. Will his momentum in Iowa set up a showdown?
ESSAY
Help! My wasteful habits are giving me a severe case of eco-anxiety
The Tone-Deaf Democrats (Commentary)
Too many of them--in Congress and the presidential campaign--still don't get national security
WORLD
have to find a way to get along
Postcard: Cornwall (Postcard)
One of Britain's most popular tourist stops is ... a set of domes built in a clay pit? A look at England's burgeoning romance with everything green
NOTEBOOK
Money worries and culture wars make shopping feel like an obstacle course
Verbatim
Briefing
The $102,000 Debate (Briefing / Politics)
it?
Numbers
People
Washington Memo: New Role for Petraeus (Briefing)
Milestones (Briefing)
World Spotlight: The Next Killer Cyclone (Briefing)
SOCIETY
Laugh if you like, but these hot new workouts may actually help you look younger
Black Is Beautiful (Life: Education - Health - Environment - Food - Religion - Living / Food)
An Asian culinary trend heads west as ebony ingredients begin to show up on fashionable menus
Bring Eco-Power to the People (Life: Education - Health - Environment - Food - Religion - Living / Going Green)
Van Jones is on a mission to clean up both pollution and poverty in the inner city
Fighting for the Right to Dry (Life: Education - Health - Environment - Food - Religion - Living / Living)
Neighbors are battling over whether the clothesline is an energy saver or an eyesore
Tutors for Toddlers (Life: Education - Health - Environment - Food - Religion - Living / Education)
Anxious parents are trying to give their kids an academic edge before they even get to kindergarten
Sunday School for Atheists (Life: Education - Health - Environment - Food - Religion - Living / Religion)
An oxymoron? Nope — nonbelievers need places to teach their kids values too
BUSINESS
Signs abound that oil production may be topping out. Is this the end of the world as we know it?
Is Facebook Overrated? (The Well / Business)
The cool kid on the Web has everyone's attention, but the social-networking site still needs profits to match its promise
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Welcome to the 2007 holiday-movie season and TIME's preview thereof
What to seek out and what to avoid this week in entertainment
PEOPLE
TIME asked several prominent individuals whom they would choose for the 2007 Person of the Year
10 Questions for Mark Cuban
You may recognize him as the Dallas Mavericks' loudmouth owner. But this tech billionaire has also got rhythm: he recently shimmied his hips on Dancing with the Stars. Mark Cuban will now take your questions
SPECIAL SECTION
Premium sake is moving up in the beverage industry as more Americans discover new ways to appreciate an old drink
What's the Buzz? (Pursuits: Taste Of Japan - City Secrets / City Secrets)
Urban beekeeping is taking flight as swarms of honeybees alight on capitals like London and Paris
The Ultimate Meal (Pursuits: Taste Of Japan - City Secrets / Taste of Japan)
A reservation at one of Osaka's kaiseki restaurants is also a lesson in true luxury