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

Remembering Mario Molina, Nobel Prize-winning chemist who pushed Mexico on clean energy -- and, recently, face masks

Molina, who died on Oct. 8, 'thought climate change was the biggest problem in the world long before most people did.' His research on man-made depletion of the ozone layer won the 1995 Nobel Prize.

Elena Delavega, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Memphis • conversation
Oct. 10, 2020 • ~6 min

What a smoky bar can teach us about the '6-foot rule' during the COVID-19 pandemic

The 6-foot rule for social distancing doesn’t account for all risks, particularly indoors. Here's what everyone needs to understand as cooler weather moves more activities inside.

Suresh Dhaniyala, Bayard D. Clarkson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University • conversation
Sept. 9, 2020 • ~9 min

Face masks: why your eyes might be saying more than you realise

Your mouth might be obscured, but science shows you say a huge amount with your eyes.

Nigel Holt, Professor of Psychology, Aberystwyth University • conversation
Sept. 1, 2020 • ~6 min

Sketchy darknet websites are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic – buyer beware

The global pandemic has fueled illicit online sales of COVID-19 commodities, some of which are dangerous or illegal. Researchers are assessing the size and reach of this underground market.

David Maimon, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Georgia State University • conversation
Aug. 19, 2020 • ~7 min

Coronavirus face masks: an environmental disaster that might last generations

As face marks and coverings become compulsory worldwide, littering and their potential impact on the environment increases.

Steve Fletcher, Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy, University of Portsmouth • conversation
Aug. 14, 2020 • ~6 min

'Morality pills' may be the US's best shot at ending the coronavirus pandemic, according to one ethicist

Rather than a vaccine to beef up your immune system, a psychoactive substance could boost your cooperative, pro-social behavior – curtailing the selfish actions that spur on coronavirus's spread.

Parker Crutchfield, Associate Professor of Medical Ethics, Humanities and Law, Western Michigan University • conversation
Aug. 10, 2020 • ~9 min

Three major scientific controversies about coronavirus

Researchers can't agree on topics such face mask, immunity and number of infections. Here's why.

Manal Mohammed, Lecturer, Medical Microbiology, University of Westminster • conversation
Aug. 7, 2020 • ~8 min

How to hide from a drone – the subtle art of 'ghosting' in the age of surveillance

Avoiding drones' prying eyes can be as complicated as donning a high-tech hoodie and as simple as ducking under a tree.

Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, Associate Professor of Political Sociology, University of San Diego • conversation
July 28, 2020 • ~7 min

Photo tweaks could protect your privacy from algorithms

"It is too late to stop people from posting photos on social media in the interest of digital privacy. However, the reliance on AI is something we can target..."

National University of Singapore • futurity
July 27, 2020 • ~5 min

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