Anti-trans measures don’t just target transgender men and women – a sociologist explains how ‘male’ or ‘female’ categories miss the mark for nonbinary Americans

The recent spate of executive orders around sex and gender impact nonbinary Americans, as well as trans Americans who identify as a man or a woman.

Barbara J. Risman, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, University of Illinois Chicago • conversation
May 28, 2025 ~8 min

Science requires ethical oversight – without federal dollars, society’s health and safety are at risk

There are several steps between research on seemingly esoteric subjects and breakthrough medical treatments. Ethical oversight at every stage ensures science and society ultimately benefit.

Nancy M. P. King, Emeritus Professor of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University • conversation
May 9, 2025 ~12 min


Millions of animals die on roads – does this make driving morally wrong?

For most animals, unlike humans, cars offer threats rather than benefits.

Diego Exposito, PhD researcher in Politics, University of Sheffield • conversation
Feb. 5, 2025 ~6 min

Trump accused of ‘malignant narcissism’ – but how accurately can you diagnose someone you’ve never met?

It is possible to glean some insights into someone’s personality without meeting them – but diagnosing them with a psychiatric disorder isn’t ethical.

Ava Green, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, City St George's, University of London • conversation
Oct. 29, 2024 ~6 min

Is ‘coaching’ a shortcut to mental health care? Not so fast − here are key differences

A professor of psychiatry unpacks what to consider if you’re looking for help with physical or mental health and are considering using coaching services.

Emily Hemendinger, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Aug. 30, 2024 ~9 min

The Nuremberg Code isn’t just for prosecuting Nazis − its principles have shaped medical ethics to this day

The Nuremberg Code was developed during trials for Nazi officials accused of performing inhumane experiments − but its influence has been far wider.

George J Annas, Director of the Center for Health Law, Ethics & Human Rights, Boston University • conversation
Aug. 29, 2024 ~8 min

Americans love nature but don’t feel empowered to protect it, new research shows

New research shows that Americans have positive feelings toward nature but also detects strong undertones of longing, guilt and worry.

Jessica Eise, Assistant Professor, Indiana University • conversation
Aug. 28, 2024 ~8 min

Astronomers have warned against colonial practices in the space industry − a philosopher of science explains how the industry could explore other planets without exploiting them

Space may be considered the final frontier, but the US was once a frontier, too. How can space industry leaders avoid repeating practices that led to colonialism in the 18th century and beyond?

Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Dean of Social Sciences, Professor of Religion and Science and Technology Studies, Wesleyan University • conversation
Aug. 19, 2024 ~9 min


Editing fetal genomes is on the horizon − a medical anthropologist explains why ethical discussions with the target communities should happen sooner rather than later

In the absence of clear-cut regulation, who should decide on where and how a technology that could change the course of human health should be applied?

Julia Brown, Assistant Professor of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
Aug. 16, 2024 ~10 min

Are tomorrow’s engineers ready to face AI’s ethical challenges?

Ethics is often neglected in engineering education, two researchers write, despite mounting questions about how to responsibly design artificial intelligence programs.

Erin A. Cech, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Michigan • conversation
April 19, 2024 ~9 min

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