The Conversation - Teaching the '80s to today's students

Most Americans do trust scientists and science-based policy-making – freaking out about the minority who don’t isn’t helpful

John C. Besley, Michigan State University

It’s tempting to focus on the minority of Americans who hold negative views about scientists. But blaming others for their lack of trust won’t build the relationships that can boost trust.

Drugs – 4 essential reads on how they’re made, how they work and how context can make poison a medicine

Vivian Lam, The Conversation

Despite technological advancements, many challenges remain in getting a drug from lab to pharmacy shelf. Reframing what is a 'medicine' could expand treatment options for researchers and patients.

Why campaigns have a love-hate relationship with their signs

Karen Adams, Arizona State University

Supporters and volunteers love them. But it’s difficult for political scientists to determine whether they even influence the outcome of elections, since no two campaigns or election cycles are alike.

Young voters are more likely to skip midterm elections than presidential races

Jan Leighley, American University School of Public Affairs

Americans’ political affiliations and views on key issues vary a lot by age. When fewer young people vote, winning candidates and policies may not reflect their views.

The future of creative freedom is on the line, starring Andy Warhol, Prince and 2 Live Crew

Hannibal Travis, Florida International University

Is it unfair to make money from works that borrow from copyrighted work?

More than 60% of Puerto Ricans seeking FEMA aid after Hurricane Maria had their applications denied – will the agency approve more this time?

Ivis García, Texas A&M University

Within two weeks of Hurricane Fiona, FEMA had accepted most Puerto Rican housing aid applications. Nearly all those early approvals cover only $700 in assistance and won’t pay the tab for rebuilding.

By fact-checking Thoreau’s observations at Walden Pond, we showed how old diaries and specimens can inform modern research

Tara Miller, Boston University; Abe Miller-Rushing, National Park Service; Richard B. Primack, Boston University

Journals, museum collections and other historical sources can provide valuable data for modern ecological studies. But just because a source is old doesn’t make it useful.

RSV: A pediatric disease expert answers 5 questions about the surging outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus

Jennifer Girotto, University of Connecticut

Tens of thousands of children have tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus in the last months in what is the largest outbreak of the virus in recent years.

How parents and schools can get chronically absent kids back in the classroom

Joshua Childs, University of Texas at Austin

The numbers of students missing 15 days or more of school in a given year is on the rise in the US. Evidence shows certain approaches can get kids back in school and help them stay in class.

Why do people have slips of the tongue?

Republicans say crime is on the rise – what is the crime rate and what does it mean?

COVID-19 rapid tests can breed confusion – here’s how to make sense of the results and what to do, according to 3 testing experts