Science activism is surging – which marks a culture shift among scientists

Political mobilization among scientists has been growing in recent years. Two social scientists break down what this looks like and how it represents a culture shift among the scientific community.

Fernando Tormos-Aponte, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
July 6, 2023 ~8 min

Are low-traffic neighbourhoods greenwashing? Here's what the evidence says

LTNs were introduced to UK cities to create a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists - but they’ve become controversial.

Harrie Larrington-Spencer, Research Fellow in the Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster • conversation
June 23, 2023 ~7 min


Mae’n bryd i ni ailfeddwl beth yw gwyddoniaeth dinasyddion

Mae gwyddoniaeth dinasyddion yn cynnig y posibilrwydd o wyddoniaeth i'r bobl, gan y bobl.

Rob Evans, Professor in science and technology studies, Cardiff University • conversation
June 9, 2023 ~7 min

Brain tumors are cognitive parasites – how brain cancer hijacks neural circuits and causes cognitive decline

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive type of brain cancer, causing significant decline in cognitive function. New research suggests a common anti-seizure drug could help control tumor growth.

Shawn Hervey-Jumper, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
June 7, 2023 ~7 min

Rhythmically stimulating the brain with electrical currents could boost cognitive function, according to analysis of over 100 studies

Transcranial alternating current stimulation, or tACS, is a type of brain stimulation that can change neural activity and improve memory, attention and executive function.

Shrey Grover, Ph.D. Candidate in Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University • conversation
May 24, 2023 ~6 min

Climate change protest: a single radical gets more media coverage than thousands of marchers

Media coverage of Extinction Rebellion’s mass protest was muted compared with that of Just Stop Oil’s snooker disruption.

Andrew Matthew Macdonald, PhD Candidate, Climate Activism, University of York • conversation
May 3, 2023 ~7 min

What causes volcanoes to erupt?

As they shape the Earth, volcanoes inspire and terrify humans.

Rachel Beane, Professor of Natural Sciences, Bowdoin College • conversation
May 1, 2023 ~7 min

Extinction Rebellion gave it 'the Big One' with a four-day peaceful protest – now what?

The group has eschewed disruptive protest in the pursuit of ‘building relationships’.

Marc Hudson, Visiting Fellow, Science Policy, University of Sussex • conversation
April 27, 2023 ~7 min


Cognitive flexibility is essential to navigating a changing world – new research in mice shows how your brain learns new rules

Learning new rules requires the suppression of old ones. A better understanding of the brain circuits involved in behavioral adaptation could lead to new ways to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Kathleen Cho, Principal Investigator in Neuroscience, Inserm • conversation
April 26, 2023 ~8 min

Climate doomism is bad storytelling – hope is much more effective at triggering action

Frightening headlines alone are unlikely to inspire people to change their behaviour.

Anastasia Denisova, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, University of Westminster • conversation
March 28, 2023 ~7 min

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