To understand the gun debate, look at America’s stories

Abortion and bioethics: Principles to guide U.S. abortion debates

Nancy S. Jecker, University of Washington

A bioethicist explains the four ethical principles that guide medical practitioners’ thinking about abortion, such as autonomy and justice.

Demolishing schools after a mass shooting reflects humans’ deep-rooted desire for purification rituals

Dimitris Xygalatas, University of Connecticut

An anthropologist explains the power of purification rituals, such as bringing down a building following a tragic occurrence in it, and why they help reduce our anxieties.

What is BPA and why is it in so many plastic products?

Benjamin Elling, Wesleyan University

The US Environmental Protection Agency is reexamining the health effects of bisphenol A. A chemist explains why BPA is in plastics and why it’s hard to find a safe replacement.

Federal gas tax holiday: Biden says it will provide ‘a little bit of relief’ – but experts say even that may be a stretch

Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University; Erich Muehlegger, University of California, Davis; Sanya Carley, Indiana University; Theodore J. Kury, University of Florida

We asked four experts to explain what gas taxes are used for and whether waiving them will make much of a difference to American households.

Yes, fireworks prices are skyrocketing, but there should be plenty of bottle rockets and sparklers for you and your family this Fourth of July

Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University

The latest data shows imports of bottle rockets, sparklers and other fireworks at a record pace, even as consumer demand appears likely to wane. That could create opportunities for patient revelers.

Red flag laws saved 7,300 Americans from gun deaths in 2020 alone – and could have saved 11,400 more

John A. Tures, LaGrange College

States with red flag laws saw fewer firearm deaths, on average, than states without them.

Was there anything real about Elvis Presley?

Michael T. Bertrand, Tennessee State University

Presley never wrote a memoir. Nor did he keep a diary. His music could have been a window into his inner life, but he didn’t even write his songs.

Only about 1 in 5 engineering degrees go to women

Danyelle Tauryce Ireland, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

A negative environment dissuades many women engineering students from staying in the field. Can colleges and universities do anything to reverse the trend?

Wiccan celebration of summer solstice is a reminder that change, as expressed in nature, is inevitable

Just how accurate are rapid antigen tests? Two testing experts explain the latest data

Finland’s and Sweden’s pursuit of NATO membership is the exact opposite of what Putin wanted for Russian neighbors