Science & Society
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Science & Society
Installing democracies may not work without prior cultural shifts
Experts often argue over what comes first: democratic institutions or a culture that values democratic norms. A new study supports the culture camp.
By Sujata Gupta -
Science & Society
These science claims from 2019 could be big deals — if true
Some of this year’s most tantalizing scientific finds aren’t yet ready for a “best of” list.
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Science & Society
Top 10 stories of 2019: A black hole picture, measles outbreaks, climate protests and more
Science News' top stories for 2019 include the first picture of a black hole, a quantum computing milestone and CRISPR's first U.S. clinical trials.
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Genetics
The first U.S. trials in people put CRISPR to the test in 2019
Trials of the gene editor in people began in the United States this year, a first step toward fulfilling the technology’s medical promise.
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Science & Society
Here are Science News’ favorite science books of 2019
Books about multiple universes, Apollo 11, animal emotions and the origins of popular foods made the list.
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Science & Society
Why Rembrandt and da Vinci may have painted themselves with skewed eyes
A strongly dominant eye, not an eye disorder, may explain why some great artists painted themselves with one eye turned outward.
By Sofie Bates -
Science & Society
‘A Polar Affair’ delves into a centurylong cover-up of penguin sex
In a new book, Lloyd Spencer Davis seeks to understand why an Antarctic explorer kept some of his penguin observations a secret.
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Science & Society
What happens when governments crack down on scientists just doing their jobs?
Through their research findings or sense of duty, scientists can run afoul of government leaders keen to control information’s spread.
By Sujata Gupta -
Humans
50 years ago, income inequality was severe in the U.S. It still is
In 1969, lower-income households tended to be nonwhite and in the U.S. South. That still holds true today.
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Neuroscience
Is taking birth control as a teen linked to depression? It’s complicated
As researchers sift through conflicting data, no clear answers emerge on whether birth control during teenage years can cause depression later.
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Earth
Critics say an EPA rule may restrict science used for public health regulations
Editors of six major scientific journals argue that a rule proposed by the U.S. EPA may keep key data from factoring into environmental regulations.
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Climate
Most Americans now see signs of climate change where they live
In a Pew Research survey, most Americans said the U.S. government isn’t doing enough to counter climate change amid local weather extremes.