Watch app identifies sounds for deaf and hard-of-hearing people

A smartwatch app called SoundWatch, sends people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing an alert when sounds—such as alarms, bird song, or a microwave beep—occur.

Sarah McQuate-Washington • futurity
Oct. 29, 2020 ~8 min

What a link between chocolate and Nobel prizes reveals about our trust in scientists

Research shows how failing to engage the public can lead scientists' work to be inaccurately reported and interpreted.

Katrine Donois, PhD Candidate in Science Communication., Anglia Ruskin University • conversation
Oct. 29, 2020 ~8 min


Cricket ‘singing’ has been the same for 300 million years

Crickets, katydids, and grasshoppers have been singing the same tune for more than 300 million years, a new study shows.

Adam Russell-TAMU • futurity
Oct. 13, 2020 ~10 min

Political leaders’ views on COVID-19 risk are highly infectious in a polarized nation – we see the same with climate change

Research and a recent campaign rally show how political leaders' rhetoric can shape risk perceptions among their loyal followers.

Wanyun Shao, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Oct. 13, 2020 ~7 min

Political leaders' attitudes toward COVID-19 risk are highly infectious in a polarized nation – just like climate change denial

Research and a recent campaign rally show how political leaders' rhetoric can shape risk perceptions among their loyal followers.

Wanyun Shao, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Oct. 13, 2020 ~7 min

Less scatterbrained scatterplots

Large datasets are difficult to depict as scatterplots — but that may change with a new CSAIL project for creating interactive visualizations.

Adam Conner-Simons | MIT CSAIL • mit
Oct. 7, 2020 ~3 min

Care for others drives use of chatbots for mental health

Wanting to help others motivates people to use chatbots for mental health services more than seeking help for themselves after a shooting, researchers say.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
Oct. 6, 2020 ~5 min

Some bees are born curious while others are more single-minded – new research hints at how the hive picks which flowers to feast on

New research suggests individual bees are born with one of two learning styles – either curious or focused. Their genetic tendency has implications for how the hive works together.

Chelsea Cook, Assistant Professor in Biology, Marquette University • conversation
Oct. 5, 2020 ~7 min


Scientists don't share their findings for fun – they want their research to make a difference

A survey of over a thousand scientists reveals that their goal when communicating about their work is to help the rest of us make evidence-based decisions that draw on scientific findings.

John C. Besley, Ellis N. Brandt Professor of Public Relations, Michigan State University • conversation
Sept. 21, 2020 ~6 min

To connect with others, call instead of texting

Phone calls may beat texting if you want to connect with other people. The voice itself seems to be integral to bonding, researchers say.

Molly Dannenmaier-UT Austin • futurity
Sept. 14, 2020 ~5 min

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