Policy
Abortion Bans Based on So-Called “Science” Are Fraudulent
Our silence in the face of new anti-choice laws across the U.S. is deafening
Policy16741 articles archived since 1845
Truth, Lies & Uncertainty
Searching for reality in unreal times
Why the U.S. Disaster Agency Is Not Ready for Catastrophes
Responding unnecessarily to smaller events has left FEMA understaffed and short of funds for major disasters
Policy
Gene Editing Humans: It’s Not Just about Safety
The temptation to use these technologies to “enhance” ourselves or our children, or to edit out undesirable traits, will be enormous
Policy
Science Communication: Truth, Lies and Uncertainty
The scientific process, as I have often said, is an engine of human prosperity. For centuries it has been a driving force behind the advances in knowledge and well-being that we've enjoyed as a species...
NASA Has Committed to a Rocket for the Europa Mission—and It Won’t Be Ready on Time
Although alternatives such as SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy exist, the space agency is legally required to launch its Europa Clipper spacecraft on the behind-schedule Space Launch System
What Greenland Might Have Taught Trump about Warming
The ice-covered island, which is not for sale, is on the front lines of climate change
Policy
Our Ethics Must Catch Up with Our Increasingly Powerful Technology
Humanity is like a teenager trying to control a 500-horsepower Ferrari
And Now the Really Big Coal Plants Begin to Close
Old, small plants were the early retirees, but several of the biggest U.S. coal burners—and CO2 emitters—will be shuttered by year’s end
Scientists Seek Better Guidelines for Editing Genes in Human Embryos
In the first of two meetings, an international commission discussed the criteria required before such experiments should be conducted—if ever
Companies May Limit Lifesaving Climate Data to Clients That Can Pay
Multibillion-dollar “climate services” firms are trying to cash in on the financial fear and insecurity prompted by changing weather
Does Psychology Have a Conflict-of-Interest Problem?
Some star psychologists don’t disclose in research papers the large sums they earn for talking about their work. Is that a concern?
Whistle-Blower Complaint Highlights CDC Turmoil on Climate
The filing will raise concerns that the agency is shifting climate funds to other programs
Policy
A Scientist Must Go where the Evidence Leads
When our cherished ideas are contradicted by the facts, we must avoid the human tendency to double down on those ideas
Despite Controversy, Human Studies of CRISPR Move Forward in the U.S.
The technology that produced a global scandal in China last year has entered into clinical trials to treat sickle cell anemia and an eye disease
Southern U.S. Lags North on Disaster Resilience
Though one of the least resilient counties is New York County, or Manhattan
Policy
We Should All Be Science Critics
A Harvard scholar says viewing science and technology with a critical eye can make the world a better place...
Policy
Introducing Registered Reports, a New Way to Make Science Robust
To encourage the replication of findings, we should ask researchers to describe their methods before they conduct experiments
Climate Change Exacerbates the Affordable Housing Shortage
Disabled people and minority communities are disproportionately affected and have the fewest resources to recover from disasters
Brazil’s Sacked Space Director Speaks Out on Attacks on Science
Ricardo Galvão discusses his dismissal after Amazon deforestation data rankled President Bolsonaro
