What scholars know, are learning and are predicting about the privacy of electronic data, online activity, smartphone use and electronic records.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Year in review
With studies from the past year exploring the relationship between smartphone use and mental health, sleep, learning and romance, a more nuanced portrait of the device has emerged.
Trump administration rollbacks dominated news about the environment in 2017 – but beyond Washington D.C., many researchers are developing innovative visions for a greener future.
How do diverse movies fare in the international box office? What time do trolls like to post their comments? We look back on some of this year's most intriguing graphs and maps.
After winning its second Nobel prize, the burgeoning field has demonstrated its importance in economics and power in making government policy more effective.
President Trump's first year was a rough one for scientists and others who value truth and expertise. Many rallied to the cause, while others used research to make the case for the value of science.
Analysis and Comment
Dieting is a setup. The act of dieting causes physiological changes that make it hard to continue dieting successfully. Here's how the body fights back when some people try to lose weight.
At many Spanish missions in the US and Latin America, the rising sun illuminates the altar on the winter solstice or other symbolic days. To the faithful, these events meant that Christ was with them.
Holiday traditions – whether culinary, religious, decorative or musical – help families bond and individuals feel stable and content.
Just as facts are stubborn, myths in the era of social media are also
proving to be as well. And, that can be harmful, particularly when it
comes to the media reporting on holiday suicides. Here's why.
It's said Puerto Rico has the longest Christmas in the world, a noisy two-month celebration that goes through mid-January. Can the holidays still happen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria?
Have you ever felt more like singing the blues during the holidays than "Deck the Halls"? You're not alone. Two psychiatrists explain why people feel blue during this time and share tips for how to take care.
With holiday travel in full swing and people packed together in small spaces, it's important to try to stop the spread of germs. But can we really get our hands clean with a few seconds of cold water?
Disney's veneer of innocence shouldn't distract people from recognizing the danger of giving one conglomerate the power to control so much information.
There's no shortage of problems facing humanity. Science's role in how to tackle them has long been debated – including memorably by two of the 20th century's greatest literary figures.
The passing of Cardinal Bernard Law is another moment to revisit the issue of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and why it remains a challenge.
At many Spanish missions in the US and Latin America, the rising sun illuminates the altar on the winter solstice or other symbolic days. To the faithful, these events meant that Christ was with them.
A researcher warns that the sugary treats of the holiday season can set the stage for children's long-term health and academic success if left unchecked.
The Trump administration can boost domestic solar panel manufacturing without slapping duties on all imports.
For the Native people of California, the dream has been more of a nightmare.
The journey to the ads that cigarettes companies started running Nov. 26, 2017 about the dangers of smoking and their bad behavior started 64 years ago .
GOP tax bill
Giving could decline by $21 billion or more per year.
Holiday season
A scholar applies lessons from her research to negotiate with her spouse better and have an 'awesome holiday.' Here's how you can too – and make your family life happier overall.
Ritual feasting emerged around the time humans were beginning to farm. It came to play an important role in societal bonding, much as it does today.
Net neutrality
As the U.S. weakens its protections for internet users, it risks falling behind the rest of the world, which is embracing the importance of regulation to preserve an open internet.
Year in review
Almost 100 percent of black Alabamians voted for Doug Jones. The Democratic senator-elect can thank this key base by addressing his home state's problems with rural poverty, education and health care.
Research and Expert Database
Analysis from academics around the world
Editors’ Picks
At many popular destinations, residents are protesting against crowding, rowdy visitors and low wages. With some research, travelers can use their visits to enrich host areas instead of harming them.
Many American evangelicals believe that the establishment and protection of Israel set up a chain of event for the return of Jesus. What were the origins of this narrative?
Why did most fans shun the prequel series, but embrace the recent spate of 'Star Wars' films? A recent study offers some clues.
It is possible for minors in all 50 states to get married. A scholar explains the long history of child marriage, mostly of young girls, in the US.
China, which recycles much of the world's waste material, is slashing its scrap imports. This move could force the United States and Europe to boost recycling instead of shipping trash overseas.
Psychology researchers bring infants into the lab to learn more about how shared book reading influences brain and behavioral development.
President Trump signed an order on Dec. 4 to drastically reduce the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. Four legal experts explain why this action is likely to be reversed.
Biologists' growing reliance on computers advances the field – but comes with new risks. The first step toward improved cyberbiosecurity is increasing awareness of possible threats.
An analysis of more than 800 top-grossing films suggests diverse movies struggle in front of international audiences.
Many people have criticized Donald Trump's mental health. Recently, more than two dozen psychiatrists weighed in, from afar. Here's why that might not be good.
For those wondering whether it is sinful to drink, even moderately, a scholar goes into the history of alcohol and its distillation to show how early monks and priests contributed to it.
Opening the minds of worried new parents to other ways of raising children may assuage fears that if they fail to 'do the right thing,' their children will be doomed.
Most Read past week
- During the holidays, giving gifts to the dead can help you cope with grief
- Why Trump’s plan to forbid spouses of H-1B visa holders to work is a bad idea
- What thin people don’t understand about dieting
- Dreading conflict during the holidays? Let it go, let it go, let it go
- When cringeworthy gifts are worse than inconsiderate
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