8 years of sharing knowledge for the public good

The important role played by secretaries of state in administering fair elections is changing – and not in a good way

Thom Reilly, Arizona State University

What happens if the public loses faith in fair elections? That’s the question being asked as candidates influenced by Donald Trump aim to become the chief election officials in their states.

Liz Truss resigns: so why isn’t the UK having an election?

Nicholas Allen, Royal Holloway University of London

The law says MPs have to vote in favour of holding an election – and with the Conservatives facing huge losses, there’s little chance of them wanting one.

Signatures of alien technology could be how humanity first finds extraterrestrial life

Macy Huston, Penn State; Jason Wright, Penn State

The technology of an advanced alien civilization is likely to produce many signs that could be detected across the vastness of space. Two astronomers explain the search for technosignatures.

Intuitions about justice are a consistent part of human nature across cultures and millennia

Daniel Sznycer, Oklahoma State University; Carlton Patrick, University of Central Florida

What people consider to be fair and just today are in line with the laws of ancient Mesopotamia and the Tang Dynasty in China – suggesting that these intuitions are part of human nature.

Why is 13 considered unlucky? Explaining the power of its bad reputation

Barry Markovsky, University of South Carolina

A sociologist unpacks how common superstitions like fear of 13 can gain steam.

How unhealthy is red meat? And how beneficial is it to eat vegetables? A new rating system could help you cut through the health guidelines

Aleksandr Aravkin, University of Washington; Christian Razo, University of Washington; Jeffrey Stanaway, University of Washington

Health guidelines can feel contradictory and hard to interpret. But a new star rating system should help consumers and policymakers better parse the evidence behind health risks and outcomes.

Newly available over-the-counter hearing aids offer many benefits, but consumers should be aware of the potential drawbacks

Bradley Kesser, University of Virginia

They are easy to get, and far less costly than prescription hearing aids. But over-the-counter devices are not the answer for everyone with hearing issues.

Why are so many people delighted by disgusting things?

Bradley J. Irish, Arizona State University

Going out of your way to get grossed out might seem like a contradiction of human nature. But it serves a strong evolutionary purpose.

When Filipino parents in the US encourage their children to talk about their feelings and promote cultural pride, their children’s mental health improves

Joyce Javier, University of Southern California

Workshops that focus on the needs of one particular immigrant community improve mental health for parents and kids and provide an example for other programs to follow.

Here’s the first question of this week’s edition:
Which of these factors is causing stress to honey bee populations?

1. A. Parasitic mites
2. B. Drought
3. C. Pesticide microdoses”
4. D. All of the above

Test your knowledge

Towards zero hunger in Africa: 5 steps to achieve food security

BBC at 100: a trusted international news source, but it’s important to remember whose values it reflects

Liz Truss resigns as prime minister: the five causes of her downfall explained