Science & Society
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Tech
1960s research paid off in automotive safety
Scientists in 1964 were studying shatterproof glass, which was mandated just a couple of years later.
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Health & Medicine
Mold behind 2013 yogurt recall may cause disease
Genome sequencing links a new, virulent strain of mold to the 2013 Chobani yogurt recall.
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Science & Society
Main result of Facebook emotion study: less trust in Facebook
Facebook’s controversial manipulation of emotional posts raises key questions about how to study online behavior.
By Bruce Bower -
Genetics
Finally, some solid science on Bigfoot
DNA analysis finds no Bigfoot, no yeti, two weird bears and one scientist on a quest for the truth.
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Psychology
Online causes may attract more clicks than commitments
Online awareness campaigns can make people feel they’ve contributed to a good cause, but social scientists say the tangible benefits of such efforts may be small.
By Bruce Bower -
Science & Society
Scientists have long had one of the most admired careers
Excerpt from the July 11, 1964, issue of Science News Letter.
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Science & Society
Weapon inspection scheme would test for nukes but keep designs secret
Technique borrowed from computer science could improve weapon verification and encourage countries to agree to nuclear disarmament.
By Andrew Grant -
Microbes
The most personal data on your phone is your microbiome
Phones carry more than your contacts and messages. They’ve got your microbiome too.
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Neuroscience
Sunbathing may boost endorphins in the body and brain
UV light makes mice churn out a molecule that is a cousin of morphine and heroin, a finding that may explain why some people seek out sunshine.
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Math
If the world is a computer, life is an algorithm
Cellular automata may offer the algorithmic power to mimic the laws of physics and the evolution of life.
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Science & Society
‘Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies’ reveals the secrets of invisible ink
Kristie Macrakis takes readers on a tour of invisible ink’s history and the need to hide information, from the earliest empires to the Internet age.
By Bryan Bello -
Health & Medicine
Mammography’s limits becoming clear
It may be time to move way from blanket recommendations about mammography and empower women to decide for themselves, new work suggests.
By Laura Beil