Science & Society
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Science & SocietySocial networks can learn about you through your friends
Social networks can gather information from users that let them create “shadow profiles” of others — even people not on the network.
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EarthAir pollution takes a toll on solar energy
Air pollution can rob the light needed for solar panels to make electricity. In India and China, the percent solar energy losses can reach double digits.
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BrainUnderstanding body clocks brings three a Nobel Prize
Three American men will share this year’s Nobel prize for physiology or medicine. The award recognizes their contributions to understanding the workings of the body’s biological clock.
By Tina Hesman Saey and Aimee Cunningham -
Science & SocietyExplainer: The Nobel Prize
Every year, Nobel Prize winners are front page news for their discoveries. But what is a Nobel Prize and why does it matter? We explain.
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ArchaeologyClay reveals secrets of China’s mysterious terra-cotta army
Production of the famous terra-cotta troops found in ancient Chinese emperor’s tomb was made possible by a specialized system of clay manufacturing.
By Bruce Bower -
ComputingVideo games level up life skills
A new study shows that playing video games can sharpen important life skills, including communication, adaptability and resourcefulness.
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Science & SocietyIn an era of fake news, students must act like journalists
In an era when the library may be about the last place students go to do research, news literacy — knowing how to vet sources and check facts — is becoming more important for kids than ever.
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Science & SocietyFake news: How not to fall for it
Schools don’t always teach kids how to tell fact from fiction on the internet. But news literacy is more important now than ever.
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Science & SocietyFact checking: How to think like a journalist
In an era when much research can be done online, knowing how to assess what ‘facts’ to trust is essential. Unfortunately, it’s also becoming harder than ever.
By Janet Raloff -
PsychologyWarnings may help flag fake news, but they also backfire
Warning that a news story may be false can help people avoid being duped by hoaxes — but not as much as you might think, according to a new study.
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PhysicsDisabilities don’t stop these experts in science and tech
People with disabilities are as varied as the careers some of them pursue in science, technology, engineering and math.
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Science & SocietyDeaf students can overcome hurdles to careers in STEM
Classroom tactics to help deaf students may also pay big benefits for students who hear just fine.