Two mathematicians explain why majority voting often fails to elect the candidate preferred by the majority and propose an alternative, ‘majority judgment.’
A common sight: smartphones at mealtime.
Phones at dinner via shutterstock.com
Anecdotal evidence suggests the pervasiveness of smartphones is making us increasingly distracted and hyperactive. Does research support that conclusion?
It’s not just power-hungry pot farms: the connection between drugs and oil and gas industry runs deep.
alex-s/flickr
It’s not just energy-hungry pot farms: the ties between energy and drugs run deep. Can we develop a national drug policy drawing on the lessons of the domestic oil and gas boom?
What are America’s children learning in civics classes?
USAG- Humphreys
Ninety-seven percent of high school seniors have studied civics in school. While they can recall facts, they are unable to apply that knowledge to current politics. Why is that?
Criminals who hide their computers shouldn’t go free.
Computer criminal via shutterstock.com
Irish immigrants and their descendants played a leading part in the Easter Rising of 1916 and Ireland’s subsequent rebellion. But the inspiration worked in the other direction as well.
Woman with slave girl in the mid 19th century, New Orleans.
http://www.burnsarchive.com/
Paulina Segarra, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey and Ajnesh Prasad, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Mexico City is suffering through an air quality crisis this spring, but institutional corruption is making the proposed solution – restricting car usage – ineffective.
Income share agreements work quite like federal loans.
Student debt image via www.shutterstock.com
In income share agreements, students agree to pay a percentage of their future income to a private company or lender in exchange for additional money to cover college expenses. Are they for everyone?
Don’t worry about being the perfect mom.
Mom and kids via www.shutterstock.com.
Fall in love, have a baby, watch your happiness and satisfaction plummet. Psychology researchers know the transition to parenthood can be rough on relationships.
California elementary school teacher doing shared reading.
Kathleen Tomscha
Scientists of all kinds turn to computer models to investigate questions they can’t get at any other way. Here’s how models work and why we can trust them.
The first issue of Black Panther, a Marvel series written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, was released last month.
Marvel Comics
In the entertainment industry, the success or failure of a minority lead can be a referendum on whether or not to use diverse leads for future projects.
Should those convicted of domestic violence be punished differently? A professor from the University of Maryland thinks harsher policies may make the problem worse.
Florida’s unique geology means alternative fracking methods would be used, but can aquifers be safely separated from injection wells?
jsjgeology/flickr
There’s a debate over whether fracking should be introduced into Florida, a state with a unique geology and hydrology that introduces a long list of environmental concerns.
Long live the king?
Bud beer via www.shutterstock.com
It may be the world’s largest beer maker, but Anheuser-Busch’s days may be numbered thanks to the rapid rise of craft brewing and a little thing called disruption.
Solar panels on a Walmart roof, Mountain View, California.
Walmart/Flickr
Tara P. Dhakal, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Solar power has enormous potential, but provides only about one percent of world electricity today. An engineer explains the many steps it takes to make solar panels that are efficient, clean and cheap.
The attacker may already be inside.
Computer user image via shutterstock.com
A classics professor writes that Trump’s raucous campaign style is nothing new. He introduces us to a chariot-racing statesman from ancient Athens who may have given Trump a run for his money.
The chemical PFOA, used in common coatings, was found in elevated levels in the water supply of Hoosick, New York earlier this year.
dougtone/flickr
A growing number of communities in upstate New York and New England are discovering the chemical PFOA in their water supply. Here’s what you should know about the health effects of PFOA.