Science & Society

  1. Humans

    The earliest known pants are surprisingly modern — and comfy

    This 3,000-year-old garment was not only stylish but also functional. By recreating it, scientists also unraveled its complex and multicultural origins.

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  2. Science & Society

    Instagram influencers promote more unhealthy foods than other celebs

    These findings could encourage new social media regulations to protect young users from being bombarded with unhealthy ads, says teen researcher.

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  3. Life

    Explainer: What is an endangered species?

    Threats such as climate change and habitat loss can put species at risk of going extinct. Different words describe that risk.

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  4. Environment

    ‘Mining’ cryptocurrencies pollutes the real world

    Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies exist only online. Yet the environmental impacts of their networks affect the real world.

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  5. Environment

    How we choose to pay has hidden costs for the planet

    Whether cash or credit, phone apps or digital currencies — all forms of payment have behind-the-scenes costs. And these can vary dramatically.

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  6. Psychology

    New training builds ‘mental’ muscles in athletes

    The training builds focus and resiliency while limiting the self-doubt that can cripple competitors’ ability to perform at their peak.

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  7. Science & Society

    Let’s learn about the science of the Winter Olympics

    From scientific innovations to climate change and weather, there’s plenty of science to be found among the feats of amazing athleticism.

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  8. Psychology

    Discriminatory policing takes a toll on teens and tweens

    Black teens and tweens are several times more likely than white youths their age to be harmed by police.

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  9. Tech

    Easy for you, tough for a robot

    Robots still can’t do many things that we find easy. Can engineers reduce how klutzy robots are and boost their common sense?

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  10. Psychology

    Psychology shines light on the harm racism can do

    All forms of racism are harmful. Research sheds new light on the biases behind racism and the many ways it can affect our mental health.

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  11. Chemistry

    Chemistry solves a French royal mystery

    Ink analysis reveals the hidden words of Marie Antoinette's letters and who tried to hide them.

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  12. Tech

    Did Facebook put Instagram profits ahead of teen safety?

    Former employee said Facebook (now Meta) ignored its own research on Instagram risks to teens’ mental health. We look at the issues and what you can do.

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