How evolution might explain impatience

| Insights & Views

Nobody likes to wait, and we are willing to pay to avoid it. Expedited shipping, fast food and video streaming are all profitable because they reduce or eliminate that wait. You can test this by asking a group of people to...

The science behind airplane deicing – a mechanical engineer explains how chemistry and physics make flying a more uplifting experience

| Insights & Views

If you are a frequent flyer, youve probably been at the airport waiting to jet somewhere on a winter trip when the voice of an airline employee announces over the intercom that there will be a slight delay while the plane...

Maple seeds’ unique spinning motion allows them to travel far even in the rain, a new study shows

| Insights & Views

When wind or other disturbances detach winged maple seeds called samaras from their parent tree, they spin through the air and can even spin when its raining. Impacts by high-speed raindrops only briefly interrupt the...

What are conflicts of interest and what can be done about them?

| Insights & Views

Americans trust in government and politicians is at record lows. In a 2022 Pew Research survey, about two-thirds of respondents said that all or most people who run for office want to serve their own personal interests...

What’s a constitutional crisis? Here’s how Trump’s recent moves are challenging the Constitution’s separation of powers

| Insights & Views

In a short few weeks, President Donald Trump has upended many core parts and functions of the U.S. government. He dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development and fired thousands of government employees. He has...

As the Kremlin eyes a thaw with the White House, Russia’s pro-war hawks aren’t too happy

| Insights & Views

At face value, the Kremlin has plenty to celebrate after U.S. and Russian officials held high-level bilateral talks on the war in Ukraine for the first time since the full-scale conflict began in 2022. Russian delegates at...

Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed

| Insights & Views

For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than relief. Psychologists...