Situating Science
A column about how the everyday language we use to talk about science reveals — or conceals — what we believe.
Technology
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AI Needs to Be Trained to Sort Patients Better
Systems can be good at locating someone at risk for a heart attack. But they fail the woman who says that she is ‘just off.’
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Gummies, Chews, and Powders: The Contradiction of Super-processed Superfoods
In an ironic twist, highly processed products are increasingly used to satisfy consumers’ desire for real food. But açaí and moringa extracts are no substitute for access to fresh meals and the time to prepare them.
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The Kilowatt Economy
Economies that prioritize electricity abundance will win the race for economic growth.
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Meta settles, agrees to major platform changes for underage users
Breaking down the historic Meta settlement of $17 billion which will result in significant reforms to improve the safety of minors using their platforms.
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Adult Literacy Is Mysteriously Declining Across Many High-Income Countries
COVID and smartphones alone cannot explain the decline. One thing we do know: both young and old need to retain the ability to gather and process information.
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A Better Question to Ask About Equity Data in School Health Screenings
Not what does the data show, but how does the data get made?
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Social Science Is a Good Investment in Future Innovation
To make progress in artificial intelligence, biotech, and medicine, we need to understand the social forces that make talented thinkers flourish.
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The Authoritarian Lasso of Digital Surveillance in Rwanda
The authoritarian lasso is a new phenomenon that uses modern digital technologies to blur the boundaries between domestic and international space.
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AI, Mental Health, and the Competitive Advantage of Accountability
Hundreds of millions of people already use AI for psychological support. Accountability is not only an ethical imperative but a competitive one.