Science & Society

  1. Computing

    This printer makes ‘visual’ aids for people with sight problems

    A physicist’s vision loss was the inspiration to develop new printers. They create touch-to-read maps, charts and graphs. Some can even talk to blind users.

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  2. Health & Medicine

    Why can’t bugs be grub?

    Insects are tasty and nutritious, and raising them is good for the planet. So how can Westerners be convinced to give insects a taste?

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  3. Science & Society

    Teens and tweens sue United States over climate change

    Children brought a lawsuit over climate change. It claims the government’s actions on fossil fuels deprived young people of basic rights. Science is key to the claims.

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  4. Health & Medicine

    Many food supplements unlawfully contain drugs

    The most common medicines tainting these products were usually ones that doctors prescribe for weight loss, for muscle building or to boost a man’s sex drive.

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  5. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: Quarantine

    This is a restriction on where people or animals who are sick — or suspected of being sick — can go. Doctors use quarantine to try to prevent a disease from spreading.

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  6. Life

    Designing tomorrow’s burger

    Many people enjoy biting into a juicy hamburger. But getting it to the table can be hard on the environment. That's why scientists are at work developing new forms of beef and other meats, ones that don't require slaughtering animals.

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  7. Science & Society

    Teen vaping of marijuana raises concerns about addiction

    A new study estimates that nearly 1 in 11 middle and high school students in the United States has vaped marijuana, raising concerns about addiction.

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  8. Science & Society

    Half a degree can make a world of difference

    Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius versus 2 has big benefits, says a new report from the IPCC.

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  9. Health & Medicine

    Here’s what puts teen drivers at greatest risk of a crash

    Most teen car crashes trace to distraction and a driver’s inexperience. New studies point to how easily we can be distracted and by which activities.

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  10. Health & Medicine

    Analyze This: A good reason to drive with an adult in the car

    Teens are much safer drivers during their “learner” stage, when there’s an adult in the car. Once they get a license and begin to drive solo, they exhibit more reckless behaviors.

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  11. Psychology

    Smartphones may serve as digital security blankets

    In a new study, students in awkward social situations experienced less stress if they had — but didn’t use — their smartphones.

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  12. Physics

    Dazzling laser advances bring physicists a Nobel Prize

    The winners of 2018 Nobel Prize in physics helped usher in new laser feats, such as making optical “tweezers” and creating amazingly bright beams of light.

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