How opioid deaths tripled in Philly over a decade − and what may be behind a recent downturn

After nearly a decade of annual upticks in overdose deaths, the city saw a drop in 2023, the latest data available. Something may finally be working − but what?

Ben Cocchiaro, Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Drexel University • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 ~9 min

Decluttering can be stressful − a clinical psychologist explains how personal values can make it easier

Assessing how well items align with your core beliefs may make it easier to let them go.

Mary E. Dozier, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Mississippi State University • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 ~9 min


Five ways that illustrations can tell climate justice stories

How working with fishing communities in Indonesia has led to the co-creation of an illustrated book that highlights climate justice issues.

Andi Misbahul Pratiwi, PhD Candidate, School of Geography, University of Leeds • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 ~7 min

How the brain can miraculously switch off pain

Stress, exercise and even sex can reduce pain.

Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~8 min

What public-private-partnership scandals can tell us about wrongdoing in the water industry

The actions of failing water companies often follow a familiar pattern.

Daniel Fisher, Assistant Professor in Management, University of Sussex • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~9 min

There isn’t enough ‘sustainable’ aviation fuel to make a dent in our emissions – and there won’t be for years

It’s better than regular jet fuel, but beware the hype.

Ben Purvis, Research Associate, Sustainability Assessment, University of Sheffield • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~8 min

How the human neck became a locus of power, beauty and frailty

The neck’s vitality and vulnerability are rooted in a quirky evolutionary history.

Kent Dunlap, Professor of Biology, Trinity College • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~7 min

Are animals smart? From dolphin language to toolmaking crows, lots of species have obvious intelligence

Many animals show signs of high intelligence, including strong memory, self-awareness and communication skills.

Leticia Fanucchi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~6 min


Here’s how researchers are helping AIs get their facts straight

Having AI models say how confident they are in their answers could help minimize inaccurate responses. Just don’t be overconfident about their confidence scores.

Lu Wang, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~8 min

Poor sleep and addiction go hand in hand − understanding how could lead to new treatments for opioid use disorder

Opioids and other addictive drugs can alter the rhythmic activity of genes involved in sleep-wake cycles.

Mackenzie Gamble, Ph.D. Candidate in Molecular and Translational Medicine, Boston University • conversation
Feb. 10, 2025 ~7 min

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