The Upside of Climate Pessimism
Optimism doesn't always lead to action on climate change, whereas pessimistic outlooks can sometimes help.
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In the Authoritarians' New War on Ideas, Biology Might Be Next
The debate over the teaching of history in schools portends a future war on ideas that includes the natural sciences.
The Challenge of Preserving Good Data in the Age of AI
If artificial intelligence-created content floods the internet, who decides what online information is worth archiving?
Nudge Theory Is Making Inroads in Health Care, With Mixed Results
Nudge Theory Is Making Inroads in Health Care, With Mixed Results
Nudges designed to coax patients toward healthier choices don't always work. Behavioral scientists want to know why.
More Studies Won't Solve the Masking Debate
Policymakers should communicate how science informs their values and priorities in weighing policy trade-offs.
The Rat Race for Research Funding Delays Scientific Progress
The scramble to get academic research funded contributes to society's inability to handle issues such as climate change.
Recognizing the Role of the Research Coordinator
High turnover among research coordinators can slow the progress of clinical studies. Standardizing the role could help.
The Misplaced Incentives in Academic Publishing
Scientists who spend time peer-reviewing manuscripts don't get rewarded for their efforts. It's time to change that.
Imposter Participants Are Compromising Qualitative Research
When recruiting study volunteers online, how can researchers deal with participants who fake their identities?
Why AlphaFold 3 Needs to Be Open Source
The powerful AI-driven software from DeepMind was released without making its code openly available to scientists.
Could 'Science Courts' Help Build Public Trust?
Debating scientific topics in a courtroom setting could be a way to inform and engage citizens in public policy.
The Growing Environmental Footprint Of Generative AI
AI runs on power-hungry equipment that uses millions of gallons of fresh water. Policymakers are weighing the costs.
Did the Battle Against 'Misinformation' Go Too Far?
The pandemic brought a massive effort to limit the spread of bad health information. Did it do more harm than good?
First GMO Mosquitoes to Be Released In the Florida Keys
The EPA approved Oxitec's mosquitoes for release this spring. Some scientists and locals want to halt the deployment.
Coronavirus Coverage and the Silencing of Female Expertise
With male voices dominating the pandemic narrative, female scientists are lamenting the loss of diverse perspectives.
In the Race to Crack COVID-19, Scientists Bypass Peer Review
To speed information sharing, many scientists are posting paper drafts directly online. What are the potential downsides of that?
A Revolution in Science Publishing, or Business As Usual?
"Open access" was supposed to change scientific publishing. Critics worry that the model is being corrupted by big corporate publishing money anyway.
More Inclusive Science Journalism Is Better Science Journalism
When we expand our pool of storytellers, we produce work that more fully reflects how science is done - and why it matters.
Artificial Intelligence Could Improve Health Care for All - Unless It Doesn't
Artificial Intelligence medical tools could help democratize health care - but some worry they could also worsen inequalities.
Nutrition Science Is Broken. This New Egg Study Shows Why.
At turns lauded and vilified, the humble egg is an example of everything wrong with nutrition studies.
Revisiting the Role of the Science Journalist
In today's ecosystem of online science publications, it can be hard to tell what qualifies as journalism and what doesn't. Does it matter?
In Swiss Academic Science, Charges of Bullying and Gender Bias
Following charges against a female scientist, some faculty at Switzerland's elite universities say the country has a gender equity problem.
It's 2019. Academic Papers Should Be Free.
Libraries and funding agencies are finally flexing their muscles against journal paywalls. Authors should follow suit.
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