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Dope Science: A Freethink Original Series
Decades of misinformation and bad science has distorted what we think about illicit drugs - but that's changing. We're exploring what this paradigm shift could mean for our health and well-being.
Trust in Science Is Not the Problem
There is no real evidence that the public has lost trust in science. So why are science-based recommendations often ignored?
Groundbreaking Cat Science Shows They Love to Sit in Illusory Boxes, Too
Our feline friends certainly wow us with their cleverness - they can fetch things, open doors, navigate seemingly impossible obstacles, and even understand basic instructions (when they feel like it, anyway).
The Coming Conflict Between Introverts and Extroverts
When the social floodgates open, not everyone will want to use their newfound freedom in the same way.
The 'Capitalism is Broken' Economy
This is the midweek edition of Culture Study - the newsletter from Anne Helen Petersen. If you like it and want more like it in your inbox, consider subscribing. Subscribers: If you haven't activated your invitation to Sidechannel, email me for a new one! Along with
Revealed: the Facebook Loophole That Lets World Leaders Deceive and Harass Their Citizens
Revealed: the Facebook Loophole That Lets World Leaders Deceive and Harass Their Citizens
A Guardian investigation exposes the breadth of state-backed manipulation of the platform.
Cycling is Ten Times More Important Than Electric Cars for Reaching Net-zero Cities
Our Research Shows Working from Home Works, in Moderation
The hybrid model increasingly favoured by managers will change our cities for good.
Stockton's Basic-Income Experiment Pays Off
A new study of the city's program that sent cash to struggling individuals finds dramatic changes.
We Must Urgently Build an Inclusive Science Advocacy Movement
We Must Urgently Build an Inclusive Science Advocacy Movement
On March 4, 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists held its first public event at MIT with the goal of disrupting teaching and research to give way to a different kind of teaching-reflecting on the misuse of scientific knowledge. It's relevance is continued.
I work in a nursing home. Here’s why my colleagues are skipping the vaccine
Two Masks Are the New Masks
Double-masking is a sensible and easy way to lower your risk when you have to spend more time around others - in a taxi, on a train or plane, or at an inauguration.
The Pandemic Has Pushed Citizen Panels Online
It's time to apply research on in-person public deliberation to the virtual world.
Tribal Elders Are Dying From the Pandemic, Causing a Cultural Crisis for American Indians
Hundreds of Researchers From Top Universities Were Published in Fake Academic Journals
Hundreds of Researchers From Top Universities Were Published in Fake Academic Journals
How the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology became a multimillion dollar organization promoting bullshit science through fake conferences and journals.
Preprints Promote Transparency and Communication
The potential of preprints to drive scientific understanding and innovation, and even support good journalism.
Science Alone Won’t Save the Earth. People Have to Do That.
We need to start talking about what kind of planet we want to live on.
NSF Wants to Know What You Think It Should Fund
Got an idea that could transform the world? NSF is launching a new contest offers prizes for "biggest" research ideas. On 31 August NSF will begin accepting online entries for the contest. Anyone can submit an idea - from individual scientists to professional societies to a high school science class.
Unpersuasive: Why Arguing About Climate Change Often Doesn't Work
In the US, where political parties have increasingly staked claims on one side of the issue or the other, beliefs may be more about belonging than facts.
Scientists on Twitter: Preaching to the Choir or Singing from the Rooftops?
Scientists on Twitter: Preaching to the Choir or Singing from the Rooftops?
Asking whether Twitter allows scientists to promote their findings primarily to other scientists ("inreach"), or whether it can help them reach broader, non-scientific audiences ("outreach"). Results should encourage scientists to invest in building a social media presence for scientific outreach.
We’re In an Epidemic of Mistrust in Science
Polling shows that the number of people who believe science has "made life more difficult" increased by 50 percent from 2009 to 2015.
Should Climate Scientists Fly?
Wrong question; instead of scapegoating individual researchers, we should blame the centers of power, including corporations and political leaders.
Loss of Trust? Loss of Trustworthiness? Truth and Expertise Today
Loss of Trust? Loss of Trustworthiness? Truth and Expertise Today
A discussion of how trust in expertise is placed or refused, highlighting the affective dimension of epistemic trust, and discussing the danger of a 'context collapse' in digital communication.
"It’s a Toxic Place." : How the Online World of White Nationalists Distorts Population Genetics
"It’s a Toxic Place." : How the Online World of White Nationalists Distorts Population Genetics
A graduate student is analyzing how Stormfront and other racist websites misunderstand, and misuse, new scientific papers.
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