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Microbiologist Xiugen Zhang working at the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory. AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Americans still trust doctors and scientists during a public health crisis

In a survey, a majority of liberals and conservatives reported that they trust doctors and the CDC to reduce US risk of a coronavirus epidemic.
US President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a cricket stadium, in Ahmedabad, India. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

How India came to love cricket, favored sport of its colonial British rulers

During a recent visit to India, Trump spoke at the world’s largest cricket stadium. Cricket came to India in the 18th century through British sailors and is a revered cultural institution in India.
If only there were one that fit. Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

What makes something ironic?

Irony is a slippery concept. Sometimes it’s used in speech, other times it’s used to describe a situation – oh, and it can also characterize an attitude. Is its versatility its downfall?
Ojibwe women conduct a year-long ritual for their girls when they start menstruation. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

How a Native American coming-of-age ritual is making a comeback

Historically, indigenous people celebrated a girl’s transition to womanhood with a year-long ritual. Many such ritual practices were made ‘illegal’ by the US and Canadian governments.
Knocking on wood may be a holdover from the pagan days of Europe, when tree spirits were believed to bring luck. saiful bahri 46/Shutterstock.com

Why we knock on wood for luck

The curious history of a ritual meant to ward off bad luck.
Punta Ventana, a popular tourist attraction near Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, before and after the Jan. 6 earthquake. AFP/Getty/Wikipedia

Puerto Rico earthquakes imperil island’s indigenous heritage

Puerto Rico was once home to about 110,000 Taínos, an indigenous people decimated by the Spanish conquest. Their ancient homeland was located in the area hit hard by recent earthquakes.
Talk to the hand. SoumenNath/Getty Images

Is workplace rudeness on the rise?

Growing alarms over a ‘rudeness epidemic’ make it seem like incivility in the workplace is on the rise. The data suggest otherwise.
The Jewish ritual of bar mitzvah. which marks a 13-year-old young man’s assumption of religious and legal obligations under Jewish law. Israel_photo_gallery

What is a bar mitzvah?

The Jewish coming-of-age ritual of bar mitzvah evolved to its current form during the time of Enlightenment, when Jewish families feared losing their traditions.

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