Philly’s street fentanyl contains an industrial chemical called BTMPS that’s an ingredient in plastic

More than half of the street fentanyl samples collected in November 2024 contained BTMPS, and many contained more BTMPS than fentanyl.

Fernando Montero, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry and Social Work, Columbia University • conversation
March 6, 2025 • ~6 min

Many gluten-free foods are high in calories and sugar, low on fiber and protein, and they cost more − new research

Although gluten-free foods are trendy, they are a necessity only if you have celiac disease or wheat allergies.

Sachin Rustgi, Associate Professor of Molecular Breeding, Clemson University • conversation
Feb. 18, 2025 • ~5 min

Rural Americans don’t live as long as those in cities − new research

The study shows rates for smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease are comparatively higher in rural areas, leading to shorter life expectancy.

Jack Chapel, Postdoctoral Scholar in Economics, University of Southern California • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 • ~6 min

AI datasets have human values blind spots − new research

AI systems reflect human values. However, the human values embedded in AI are skewed to the utilitarian and away from the greater good.

Ike Obi, Ph.D. student in Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University • conversation
Feb. 6, 2025 • ~5 min

Fossil shark teeth are abundant and can date the past in a unique way

Sharks have ruled the Earth’s oceans for 400 million years. Recent research on fossil shark teeth has discovered an innovative method for dating ancient sediments.

Bruce J. MacFadden, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Florida • conversation
Feb. 3, 2025 • ~6 min

Philanthropy provides $30B annually for science and health research − funding that tends to stay local

Nearly 40% of all gifts and grants and 60% of the total number of dollars given backed initiatives based in the foundation’s own state.

Louis Shekhtman, Senior Lecturer of Information Science, Bar-Ilan University • conversation
Jan. 22, 2025 • ~5 min

Why is obesity linked to irregular heart rhythms? Researchers found 1 potential mechanism

Obesity can put strain on the heart, resulting in an increased risk of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythms.

Arvind Sridhar, Postdoctoral Scholar in Cardiology, University of Illinois Chicago • conversation
Jan. 21, 2025 • ~6 min

Why is the sky blue?

The answer has to do with molecules.

Daniel Freedman, Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management, University of Wisconsin-Stout • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 • ~6 min

With more Americans able to access legalized marijuana, fewer are picking up prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications – new research

The study offers insight into how marijuana access may alter treatment patterns for patients with anxiety.

Ashley Bradford, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Jan. 10, 2025 • ~6 min

Providing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants improves birth outcomes, research shows

State-level immigration policies can have surprising ripple effects.

Kaitlyn Stanhope, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Emory University • conversation
Jan. 7, 2025 • ~5 min

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