Blogs - Page 43 of 56 - This Week in Science

Biology

The (Not-So) Hidden Dangers of Competitive Eating

Have you ever marveled at the sheer amount of food competitive eaters can consume in mere minutes? Events like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest bring together the world’s top “gurgitators” to see who can devour the most in record time. It’s truly an American spectacle. But what really happens to the body during these […]

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Psychology

Understanding Weight Bias: The Role of Social Norms and Contact

Weight bias is a pervasive issue in society, even as average body size in the United States has increased significantly over recent decades. Despite this shift, the stigma directed at individuals with higher weight persists. A recent study by Standen, Ward, and Mann (2024) delves into this phenomenon, exploring the relationship between social norms, intergroup […]

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Society

Can Trade and Alliances Prevent War?

Trade and security alliances have long been touted as tools for maintaining international peace. However, a recent study published in PLoS ONE challenges this notion by examining the effectiveness of these measures in preventing interstate wars. This study delves into Chen’s Extended Dependence Theory, which offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between trade, security […]

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Chemistry

Discovering Eco-Friendly Plastics

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue. Despite the convenience and utility of petrochemical plastics, their non-biodegradable nature leads to significant environmental harm. As a result, scientists are fervently seeking biodegradable alternatives that can replicate the beneficial properties of traditional plastics. In a recent study, a team of researchers introduced an innovative method to develop […]

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Announcements

Next Week in Science, June 28, 2024

As I’ve been saying, the lightning bugs are out, and the heat wave seems to have been broken, so we’re doing a-ok here. Here’s what’s coming up next week in science. Also, our sister publication This Week in Public Health is now on Instagram. What does that mean? Well, we try to make even shorter, […]

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Physics

Quantum Mysteries and Wavefunction Matching

Imagine trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle with pieces that constantly change shape. This is akin to the challenge scientists face when trying to understand quantum many-body systems—complex arrangements of particles interacting in unpredictable ways. Recently, a groundbreaking method called wavefunction matching has made significant strides in simplifying these puzzles, offering hope for more accurate […]

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Biology

What Can Cognitive Tests Tell Us About Dogs?

Understanding our furry friends is a never-ending adventure, full of wagging tails, curious sniffs, and sometimes perplexing behaviors. Recent research has delved into the connection between dogs’ cognitive abilities and their daily behaviors, shedding light on how our pets’ minds work. This study explores whether cognitive tests can reveal insights into dogs’ everyday lives with […]

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Astronomy

The Power of Supermassive Black Holes

In the vast cosmos, supermassive black holes exert a powerful influence on their surroundings, shaping the evolution of galaxies. One recent study has shed light on this phenomenon by examining the galaxy COSMOS-11142 using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This research provides compelling evidence that supermassive black holes can rapidly quench star formation in […]

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Announcements

Next Week in Science: June 21, 2024

The best part of early summer? The Lightning bugs are out! Here’s what we have coming up next week in Science. Transform Your Science World: Get the latest and most inspiring scientific updates with ‘This Week in Science’! Perfect for educators and science enthusiasts, our free weekly newsletter delivers groundbreaking research and stories that ignite […]

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