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articles tagged: research
why math says there’s no such thing as a true meritocracy
# science

why math says there’s no such thing as a true meritocracy

According to pundits and politicians, we live in a world where talent and reward go hand in hand. But basic statistics says that’s simply not possible.

how the war on experts helped the rise of authoritarian attitudes
# science

how the war on experts helped the rise of authoritarian attitudes

New studies can answer why support for authoritarianism is on the rise and more and people are becoming disillusioned with democracy.

when, why, and how popular science lies to you
# science

when, why, and how popular science lies to you

When science, the media, and short-sighted metrics meet, the end result is often long on flash and short on facts.

to save society, should we talk to strangers?
# science

to save society, should we talk to strangers?

New research says that talking to strangers has a lot of mental benefits. And they may just help us out of the societal mess we’re in today.

yes, the wealthy really think they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps
# science

yes, the wealthy really think they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps

Researchers found that not only do those with money and power think they’re smarter, they’re likely to exaggerate their upward mobility.

why tech billionaires can’t “disruptively” vote their way to digital immortality
# tech

why tech billionaires can’t “disruptively” vote their way to digital immortality

What happens when voters make decisions based on the belief that someday soon, scientists and engineers will turn them into immortal robots or web-enabled software?

why studies claiming that smartphone addiction is real don’t hold up
# science

why studies claiming that smartphone addiction is real don’t hold up

Far too many of us tend to accept the idea that smartphones are addictive and actively ruining the brains of heavy users. But studies into the idea find little to prove this notion.

researchers ask how to find happiness when you’re being tied up
# sex

researchers ask how to find happiness when you’re being tied up

A new study about BDSM practitioners confirms they’re generally happier with their sex lives and relationships. But there’s a twist. Not all of them are equally satisfied.

despite rampant internet fear mongering, artificial sweeteners are safe
# health

despite rampant internet fear mongering, artificial sweeteners are safe

Alt med cranks have been scaring millions about the supposed harm of artificial sweeteners. A systematic review of 13,000 studies shows they’re either lying or ignorant.

why putting science above politics today is a suicide pact
# science

why putting science above politics today is a suicide pact

If scientists don't get aggressively involved in policy and soon, there might not be much science left for them to do...

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