What we find in the sewers. “The sewer is the conscience of the city. Everything there converges and confronts everything else.” This article starts with a history lesson to remind us of the complex sewer waste systems beneath our feet, […]
Where do the children play? “In physical space, Western children are almost comically sheltered. But in digital space, they’re entirely beyond our command; and increasingly, that’s where children spend most of their time.” This article makes the point that our […]
We want plates. A great blog showcasing the bizarre trend of restaurants serving food in unconventional vessels, from gravy in a beer can to soup in a shoe. ~ learn more
Nanoparticle vaccine breakthrough. Researchers at MIT have developed a new lipid nanoparticle that “significantly enhances the potency of mRNA vaccines,” making them 100 times more effective in mice and reducing dosage requirements. This could make vaccines cheaper and reduce liver […]
A trigger for lupus confirmed. Researchers have pinpointed the Epstein-Barr virus as a direct cause of lupus. “For the first time, we have a clear biological explanation of how Epstein-Barr virus can lead to lupus,” says Dr. William Robinson of […]
The norm of haul culture. “Consumers’ bedrooms have become the new changing rooms, and ‘haul culture’ has made excessive purchasing the norm.” Gen Zers and me are apparently guilty of buying multiple sizes with the intention of returning most. However, […]
The truth about delivery app tipping. Travis Kalanick argues, “Delivery app tipping isn’t about feedback mechanisms.. it’s a tool for maximizing price paid by consumers… eaters are economically irrational with tip.” This practice exploits human psychology to boost app revenues […]
Dementia rates declining in older adults. The percentage of older US adults with dementia dropped from 11.6% in 2000 to 8.8% in 2012, which indicates a nearly 25% decrease. “If the rate of dementia in 2012 had been what it […]
Confidently wrong. “The gap between what they know and what they think they know is widest.” A study reveals that those who oppose scientific consensus often have lower objective knowledge but higher subjective confidence. ~ learn more
Why aren’t smart people happier? “Across 50 years of data and 30,346 people, the folks who scored higher on the vocab test were a tiny bit less happy.” A deep dive into intelligence and happiness reveals a curious finding: being […]