SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " discover " 3,257 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Netflix Weighs Profit Discipline Against Growth In Sports Gaming Experiences
Netflix (NasdaqGS:NFLX) is sharpening its capital allocation approach, emphasizing profitability and margin discipline. The company is widening its focus beyond on demand streaming to advertising, live sports, gaming and experiential venues. Management recently chose not to pursue a potential merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, signaling a preference for self funded growth. Netflix shifted from a pure subscription streaming pioneer into a broader entertainment platform that includes ad...
The shocking origin of human eyes traces back to an ancient “cyclops”
A bizarre, cyclops-like creature from nearly 600 million years ago may hold the key to how your eyes—and even your sleep cycle—evolved. Scientists have discovered that all vertebrates, including humans, trace their vision back to a single light-sensitive “median eye” perched atop a worm-like ancestor’s head. As this ancient animal shifted from a sedentary to a more active lifestyle, it lost and then reinvented its vision, eventually giving rise to the paired, image-forming eyes we rely on today.
MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies
After a surprising discovery that overcomes a longstanding problem in fiber optics, MIT researchers demonstrated a biomedical imaging technique that is faster and more precise than other methods, which could help scientists and clinicians study new brain therapies.
Scientists Discover a Surprising Reason Intermittent Fasting Extends Life
How the body efficiently shifts metabolism after fasting may be key to improving health, UTSW-led research suggests.
The 'Oscars of Science': Breakthrough Prize 2026 awards over $18 million for discoveries across space, physics and more
"This year's laureates show what great science can do — deepen our understanding of the world and lead to discoveries that improve millions of lives."
5 Ryobi Products That Fix Problems You Didn't Realize You Had
Discover five standout Ryobi tools, including a stowaway bench, scrubbers, a foam cutter, a pump, and a cutter, built to fix common frustrations.
Spring hiking offers health benefits, Rochester trails to explore
As spring arrives, discover the health benefits of hiking and explore easy trails near Rochester to get outdoors.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: 5G, Satellite SOS, and the AI upgrade we’ve been waiting forthink
Discover the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Featuring the new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, 5G connectivity, and Satellite SOS,
Mezcal worm in a bottle DNA test reveals a surprise
The famous mezcal “worm” has long puzzled scientists, but DNA testing has finally cracked the case. Researchers found that all sampled larvae were actually agave redworm moth caterpillars—not a mix of species as once believed. While the discovery clears up a long-standing mystery, it also raises concerns about sustainability. Growing demand for mezcal and edible larvae could put pressure on wild populations and the agave plants they depend on.
Blood vessels found in T. rex bones are rewriting dinosaur science
Dinosaur DNA may still be out of reach, but scientists are uncovering something almost as exciting—ancient blood vessels hidden inside fossilized bones. In a massive Tyrannosaurus rex nicknamed Scotty, researchers discovered a network of preserved vessels within a rib that once fractured and began healing 66 million years ago. Using powerful synchrotron X-rays from particle accelerators, they were able to peer inside the dense fossil without damaging it, revealing intricate, iron-rich structures left behind by the healing process.
WATCH: Hartford HealthCare’s 2026 Black & Red
Join us for Hartford HealthCare’s Black & Red fundraising event on WTNH News 8. Discover the life-saving work and inspiring stories in our community.
Day trip destination: Discover the trails of Otsego County
Looking for a scenic day trip? Otsego County offers a mix of lakeside trails, forest hikes and hidden overlooks — all within an easy drive.
Warming waters are supercharging an invasive salmon predator in Alaska
As Alaska’s rivers warm, invasive northern pike are becoming noticeably more voracious. Scientists discovered that pike of all ages are eating more fish, with young pike increasing consumption by over 60%. Warmer water speeds up their metabolism, pushing them to hunt more. This growing appetite could spell trouble for struggling salmon populations.
Scientists just discovered Africa is closer to breaking apart than we thought
Beneath East Africa’s Turkana Rift, scientists have found the crust is thinning to a critical point, suggesting the continent is gradually breaking apart. This “necking” process marks an advanced stage of rifting that could eventually lead to a new ocean forming millions of years from now. Surprisingly, the same geological forces that are splitting the land may also explain why the region holds such a rich fossil record. Instead of being the birthplace of humanity, Turkana may just be where the story was best preserved.
Rediscovered after 100 years: scientists reveal status of the critically endangered Osmanthus pubipedicellatus
Integrative morphological and molecular evidence confirms the rediscovery of a long-lost Osmanthus species, revealing its declining population and urgent conservation needs.
Pokemon Z development build found, footage released
Brand new footage of Pokemon Z – which was never released – has now been shared. It goes without saying, but this was an extremely early development build. MDTravisYT posted about the discovery on social media. It’s noted that the source code has an “upper_fake” branch that compiles as VERSION_Z. This has a “unique” title screen alongside some “new” mega...
Scientists just found what keeps plant cells from growing out of control
Before seedlings can photosynthesize, they depend on fatty acids—and on peroxisomes to process them. Researchers discovered that the protein PEX11 not only helps these structures divide but also controls their size during early growth. When key genes were altered, peroxisomes grew abnormally large, suggesting internal vesicles normally keep them in balance. Remarkably, a yeast version of the protein fixed the problem, pointing to a deeply conserved mechanism across species.
AI may be approaching a new phase in healthcare, on two fronts
Artificial intelligence is becoming so user-friendly that doctors can code custom clinical workflow tools. But AI-driven vulnerability discovery is fast reshaping cybersecurity imperatives for IT leaders.
Scientists Discover an Amazing New Use For Your Leftover Coffee Grounds
Stop pouring them down the drain.
Scientists Just Discovered How an Infamous Organism Is Creating Brand New DNA
To fight viruses, bacteria have evolved a way to make new DNA without copying it.
Scientists Discovered 700 Fossils That Rewrite What We Know About Life on Earth
The Jiangchuan Biota indicates that we may have misjudged the Cambrian “explosion” of complex life.
Scientists just uncovered a 3 million-year climate mystery in Antarctic ice
Ancient Antarctic ice is revealing a surprising new chapter in Earth’s climate story, stretching back 3 million years. By analyzing tiny pockets of trapped air and rare gases, scientists have discovered that while the planet cooled significantly—especially in the oceans—levels of key greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane changed only modestly. This unexpected mismatch suggests other powerful forces, such as shifting ice sheets, ocean circulation, and Earth’s reflectivity, played major roles in driving long-term climate change.
Scientists just found where airborne microplastics really come from
Microplastics are floating through the atmosphere and spreading across the globe, but their true origins have been misunderstood. New research shows land sources emit over 20 times more microplastic particles into the air than the ocean, challenging earlier beliefs. Scientists also discovered that previous models dramatically overestimated how much plastic is in the atmosphere.
Golden Blob, a Mystery From the Deep Sea, Is Identified
The strange, shiny discovery, retrieved from the ocean near Alaska in 2023, turned out to be part of an anemone, scientists said.
Meet public servants who continue to advocate for America’s health and future
Their dedication reflect the work and spirit of public servants across governments who protect our health, advance research and make scientific discoveries.
Rabid bat discovered on Fullerton College campus, health officials issue warning
Orange County health officials have issued a warning after a rabid bat was discovered on the campus of Fullerton College. The bat was found on the stairs near the music building on the northeast co…
Ladies of London's Margo Stilley Says Her Panic Attack on the Show Led to Unexpected Health Discovery (Exclusive)
Ladies of London's Margo Stilley suffered a panic attack in the April 23 episode after insulting costar Mark-Francis Vandelli. In a new interview with PEOPLE, she explains that the panic attack led her to a health discovery she wasn't expecting.
Stunning 132 million-year-old dinosaur tracks are rewriting history
A long-standing mystery in southern Africa’s fossil record is beginning to unravel. After massive lava flows 182 million years ago seemed to erase evidence of dinosaurs in the region, scientists have now uncovered surprising new clues along the Western Cape coast. Dozens of dinosaur tracks, about 132 million years old, have been discovered in a tiny stretch of rock near Knysna—making them the youngest ever found in southern Africa.
Worms swam Earth’s oceans 525 million years ago, much earlier than scientists believed
New fossil discovery reveals 535 million-year-old worms, annelids, that were already crawling and swimming, reshaping early animal evolution.
Lowell Observatory highlights Route 66’s deep ties to science in Flagstaff
At Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Route 66 history meets science, space discovery and moon mission training.
Giant, 60-foot octopuses were apex predators 100 million years ago, fossil discovery shows
Rare fossil finds show colossal octopuses were among the top ocean predators during the Cretaceous Period, according to a new study.
Scientists just discovered a 60-foot long, kraken-like octopus
The discovery, using novel techniques to analyze fossilized jaws, details how colossal octopuses hunted the Late Cretaceous depths, competing with apex predators.
Scientists uncover identity of mysterious 'golden orb' discovered miles underwater in 2023
NOAA and Smithsonian scientists have identified the mysterious golden orb found two miles deep in the Gulf of Alaska as part of a rare giant deep-sea anemone.
Moment of Science: Discovery of Galileo’s notes opens window into astronomy history
Turning back the pages through centuries of science! Dan Smith has the story of an Italian historian's incredible find on a library shelf. 🔭📜
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approve Paramount Skydance deal
Warner Bros. Discovery announces stockholders approved its merger with Paramount, aiming to create a next-generation media and entertainment company.
What a combined Paramount-Warner would mean
HBO Max, “Harry Potter,” “Top Gun,” CBS and CNN may all be placed the control of the upstart Paramount Skydance soon. That’s because shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery approved an
Sorrell College of Business Student Research Showcase highlights student work
From beef cattle to sports to physical fitness and weddings, students revealed their findings during the Sorrell College of Business Student Research Showcase on April 21 as part of Trojan Research Week. “I discovered that you can depreciate beef cows as assets,” said Kearston Clancy, who along with Rachel Temples presented “Determination of Individual Tax...Read More
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approve Paramount takeover
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have cleared the way for CNN, HBO and Warner’s other media brands to join Paramount Skydance later this year.
WBD shareholders approve Paramount deal, reject David Zaslav's pay
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders voted to approve the Paramount Skydance deal but against the pay package for CEO David Zaslav.
U.S. scientists solve the mystery of a golden orb discovered in the deep sea. Here's what it really is
The enigmatic orb has undergone extensive examination and DNA testing, enabling scientists to reveal its true origins
What is a Silicon-Carbon Battery? The Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra’s Secret Weapon Explained
Discover how Silicon-Carbon battery tech gives the Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra the biggest capacity boost in a decade.
Citizen science helps ID elusive seabird, paves way for more citizen-backed discoveries
Vast online archives of photos, videos and sound recordings collected by the public are reshaping how scientists study the natural world, allowing researchers to answer questions that were once out of ...
AI just discovered new physics in the fourth state of matter
Physicists have taken a major step toward using AI not just to analyze data, but to uncover entirely new laws of nature. By combining a specially designed neural network with precise 3D tracking of particles in a dusty plasma—a strange “fourth state of matter” found from space to wildfires—the team revealed hidden patterns in how particles interact. Their model captured complex, one-way (non-reciprocal) forces with over 99% accuracy and even overturned long-held assumptions about how these forces behave.
Canada’s biotech paradox: strong science, weak scaling
Canada produces a steady stream of biotech startups built on credible academic research. Universities and hospital research centers in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver generate discoveries that move quickly into company formation. Early-stage activity is not the constraint. The difficulty tends to surface later, when those companies try to grow.
To Tip Livestreamers, Chinese Woman Steals Millions From Family Business
After discovering his daughter had embezzled 17 million yuan, her father accompanied her to the police station to report the crime, hoping to recover the funds.
For Love of the Game: Discovering a Whole New Sport as an Adult
Finding volleyball in my 30s has been more rewarding than I ever expected.
'Catastrophic' | Ohio mental health providers sound alarm over CareSource Medicaid payment clawbacks
CareSource said such adjustments are standard when payment issues are discovered. But many behavioral health providers say the combination of rate cuts and retroactive clawbacks is unprecedented.
Scientists discover hidden forces are warping Earth deep beneath the surface
Scientists have mapped how Earth’s deepest mantle is being deformed—and the results point to long-lost tectonic plates buried thousands of kilometers underground. Using a massive global dataset of seismic waves, they found that most deformation happens in regions where these ancient slabs are thought to reside. The findings confirm long-standing theories but, for the first time, show the pattern on a global scale. It’s a major step toward understanding how the planet’s interior slowly churns over time.
Egyptian mummy has part of the 'Iliad' in its abdomen, archaeologists discover
A papyrus that contains part of Homer's "Iliad" has been discovered inside the abdomen of a mummy in Egypt. Other mummies at the cemetery had gold tongues.
Scientists discovered a mysterious ‘golden orb’ two miles beneath the surface of the ocean. Now they’ve worked out what it is
Sorry, but it’s not an extraterrestrial egg...
Claude Mythos AI Model Uncovers 271 Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Firefox
Anthropic’s latest frontier AI model, Claude Mythos Preview, has identified a staggering 271 zero-day vulnerabilities in Mozilla Firefox marking a seismic shift in AI-powered cybersecurity defense. The findings, addressed in Firefox 150, represent the most significant single batch of security fixes in the browser’s history. The discovery didn’t happen in isolation. Since February 2026, Mozilla’s […]
Our unsung hero of science: Friedrich Miescher, the man who discovered DNA
Working on human pus in a medieval castle, Miescher discovered a substance that would eventually unlock our understanding of how life works.
A Powerful New ‘QR Code’ Untangles Math’s Knottiest Knots
With a newly discovered mathematical tool, researchers are hoping to gain unprecedented insight into the structure of complex knots.
Crab Fest returns with packed entertainment lineup
The Astoria Warrenton Crab and Wine Festival is back for a lively weekend of fresh seafood and nonstop entertainment taking place from April 24-26 at the Clatsop County Fair and […]
DNA reveals a hidden pitviper species in China
A vivid green pitviper hiding in Sichuan’s misty mountains has been revealed as a completely new species. Scientists had overlooked it for decades, assuming it was a common snake—until DNA analysis proved otherwise. Named after Laozi, it features striking differences between males and females, including bold stripes and eye colors. The discovery highlights just how many unknown species may still be lurking in well-studied regions.
Scientists stunned as JWST finds ice clouds on a giant alien planet
Scientists have discovered unexpected water-ice clouds on a distant, Jupiter-like exoplanet, challenging current atmospheric models. By directly imaging Epsilon Indi Ab with the James Webb Space Telescope, they found less ammonia than expected—likely hidden by thick, patchy clouds. The finding reveals new layers of complexity in giant planets and shows how much we still have to learn.
This “quantum” material fooled scientists and revealed something new
A mysterious magnetic material once thought to host an exotic “quantum spin liquid” has turned out to be something entirely different—and possibly just as intriguing. Scientists studying cerium magnesium hexalluminate found it showed the hallmark signs of this elusive quantum state, like a lack of magnetic order and a spread of energy states. But after closer inspection using neutron experiments, they discovered the behavior came from a delicate tug-of-war between two opposing magnetic forces.
Why AI in Business Is About Execution, Not Tools
Discover how AI is used in business, why execution matters more than AI capability and how the Master’s in AI in Business prepares future leaders for execution.
Bentley Named Among the Top Graduate Business Schools in U.S. News Ranking
Bentley University is ranked a top U.S. graduate business school by U.S. News & World Report. Discover how the program prepares graduates for today's job market.
‘Renovation Aloha’ Stars Sued for Featuring Burial Remains on HGTV Show
Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama discovered human remains during a renovation project on the show.
Shaky political science: using "simulated" elections over real-world elections
[Dear DSOS readers – this article is the latest in our “Shaky Political Science” series. In our 38 page report, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting,” released in early December, we examined over 40 studies focused on ranked choice voting. We found that many of these studies suffered from puzzling research methodologies, poorly constructed surveys, unrealistic simulated elections, cherry picked data, and faulty analyses that often were contradicted by results from real-world elections (a link to our full paper is here). Here are links to the first three articles in our series: the first one summarizing the overall results of our report, the second one analyzing a study co-authored by University of Minnesota academic Larry Jacobs, which was one of the most error-prone of all the research we reviewed in our report, and a third article showing an admirable example of two political scientists holding two other political scientists accountable for their flawed, sloppy research]. In this fourth article in our “Shaky Political Science” series, we shine a spotlight on seven studies that were web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group (the ERRG is an ad hoc committee headed by New America’s Political Reform Program and joined by the American Enterprise Institute, the Unite America Institute and Stanford University’s Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law). This research consortium has been led by Lee Drutman, senior fellow with New America’s Political Reform Program. These seven studies are simply not credible from any objective standard about how political “science” is supposed to illuminate our understanding of either ranked choice voting or politics in general. The feature that six of these seven studies have in common is that they all used surveys – artificial, simulated elections -- to attempt to say something cogent or interesting about ranked choice voting (RCV) elections. None of them used real world data from actual RCV elections – either the 1000+ elections in the US or the many thousands of elections from places like Australia, Ireland and elsewhere where RCV has been used for 100 years. While a few of these studies conclude with some mixed positives about RCV, our analysis here is content neutral. The idea that, with a political reform like RCV, you can ask respondents in a mock, artificial election to vote with that method, with only the barest of explanation about how RCV works or its likely impacts (i.e. no spoiler candidates, majority winners, voters liberated to pick their favorite candidates, coalition-building), and then ask them their thoughts/reactions about voting in that system, with fake candidates and no real campaigning, no real exposure to an actual election or actual candidates, rests on some very puzzling assumptions. The findings of these seven studies actually are contradicted by the findings from many other studies based on real-world RCV elections. These New America studies also failed to list the real-world RCV studies in their own citations, instead including those studies that reinforced their conclusions. The seven studies featured in this article were chosen because they form a cohesive cohort which precisely illustrates one of the main points of our research paper, namely that using surveys, i.e. artificial elections, or mathematical/theoretical models, instead of real-world data, is in fact “shaky political science.” Below are summaries of our analysis of five of the seven New America studies. You can read our complete analysis of all seven studies at our paper, “Shaky political ‘science’ misses mark on ranked choice voting.” Choosing to “Vote As Usual” by Andre Blais, Carolina Plescia, and Semra Sevi. New America. (Blais et al., 2021). This study, web-hosted and funded by New America’s Political Reform Program and its Electoral Reform Research Group, used two surveys in which respondents completed ballots for simulated elections using plurality, approval, RCV and point (Score) voting. In both cases the authors provided the respondents with only minimal explanation of each method. For example, the entire explanation for RCV was “For this vote, rank the candidates from your first to your last choice (you do not need to rank them all). This is called the ranked vote.” That’s it. The study did not provide any context or explanation to survey respondents about why she/he might want to rank multiple candidates. Participants were not even told that ballots would be tabulated using an “instant” runoff, not to mention any description of RCVs ability to eliminate the spoiler effect or liberate voters to rank their favorite candidates without fear of helping the “greater evil” candidate to win. That’s like taking an iPhone back in time to 1970 and asking someone if they like it better than their rotary phone without explaining how it works. Their first survey targeted states that held 2020 Super Tuesday Democratic primaries and used the real candidates’ names in the survey; the second survey used fictitious candidates. In other words, they surveyed respondents who had only ever participated in plurality elections, had no history or background with using RCV or any of the other methods, had no clue about its likely impacts, and did not communicate how the alternative methods would be counted, and then asked them: “How satisfied are you with using each system?” Predictably, the winner was plurality elections, the system used for president, Congress, gubernatorial and state legislative elections – in other words, the method they have been using, year after year, all their voting lives. With so little explanation of RCV and its impacts, this study is simply not credible in discovering anything useful about real-world RCV elections. It merely shows that a basic voter education campaign is needed when adopting a new election system. Additionally, the result contradicts many other post-election surveys following real RCV elections, asking opinions from voters who had just participated in a RCV election, that showed a great deal of satisfaction with RCV (see details on that in Studies 22-25 in our paper, as well as the four studies cited in the review for Study 28). Share Other studies on “satisfaction” and “understanding” make similar mistakes, in terms of basing their surveys on inadequate explanation to respondents and lack of education about context. How could any survey ever hope to measure accurately, in essence simulate a real-world election, without actual campaigning candidates, the media writing about those candidates, organizations endorsing candidates and voters being inundated with crucial information? More than anything, what these “studies” based on surveys show is that if you ask voters about something they don’t know very much about, and fail to adequately educate them, their responses will unsurprisingly reflect their confusion. Equally puzzling is that New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group, headed by political scientist Lee Drutman, found this to be a credible enough study that they not only published it but highlighted it in Drutman’s own discussion of research related to ranked choice voting. This pattern was repeated in study after study featured by New America’s Electoral Reform Research Group. For example in Ranked-Choice Voting and Political Expression: Voter Guides Narrow the Gap between Informed and Uninformed Citizens by Cheryl Boudreau, Jonathan Colner, and Scott MacKenzie, the researchers based their analysis on a survey which found that respondents who were asked to vote in a simulated RCV election, with minimal explanation of RCV or how it works, displayed less evidence of being informed about how to use RCV effectively, with the least informed voters ranking fewer candidates. As pointed out under the study above, in a real election voters are informed by a wide variety of methods, including public education by the election administration, by interested political groups, the media, and the candidates themselves who benefit from voters being aware of how to vote in the new system. In Support for Ranked-Choice Voting across Race and Partisanship by Joseph Anthony, David C. Kimball, Jack Santucci and Jamil Scott, the researchers used respondents from different parties and races voting in simulated plurality and RCV elections, who indicated their satisfaction with each voting method. Instead of using real world election results, the authors fell back on the easy, armchair and less reliable academic research methodology of making up mock elections. As with the other studies, little explanation was given of how RCV works or what its implications might be (electing majority winners or eliminating spoilers, for example). Unsurprisingly, this study found that respondents were not very satisfied with RCV. However, when the authors added an explanation that RCV has a tendency to elect more women and people of color, they found that this greater explanation increased the preference for RCV. The more voters were familiar with it, and the more they understood potential positive impacts – surprise! -- the more they were open to switching away from the status quo. Of note, the results from this study are thoroughly contradicted by a number of other studies whose data was obtained from real RCV elections with real voters. Those studies show a great deal of satisfaction with RCV. More “fake election” research An interesting wrinkle on this “research by fake elections” approach, which only served to illustrate how unreliable such “research” can become, was taken in Ranked-Choice Voting, Runoff, and Democracy: Insights from Maine and Other U.S. States by Joseph Cerrone and Cynthia McClintock_,_ also web-hosted and funded by New America’s ERRG. It gets high marks for creativity, but an eye-roll for thinking this could possibly add anything meaningful to our understanding of real world RCV elections. This study tried to determine whether RCV, plurality or two-round runoff elections provided greater voter satisfaction and acceptance of election results. To determine that, the authors conducted a survey asking if voters were satisfied with a fictional newspaper report of an election, with three different versions given to respondents – plurality, runoff and RCV, with variations of Republican/Democrat winners and variations of “come-from-behind” winners,” i.e. candidates not initially in first place but who win the “runoff.” Again, a minimal explanation of RCV or how it works was given, and the survey showed that respondents had the greatest unfamiliarity with RCV than the other methods. The unsurprising result? Respondents were much more satisfied with “come-from-behind” victories in a traditional two-round runoff election than in RCV, even though RCV is also a runoff system but with a single round of counting. Interestingly, the dissatisfaction with RCV disappeared for those who were more familiar with RCV. In fact, among those respondents who were “very familiar” with RCV, they were equally satisfied with RCV, runoff and plurality. Surprise, surprise. Again, what this study revealed, more than anything, is not only the inadequacy of the explanation for RCV given by the authors of this study, but the failure of the research format itself, thinking that such an artificial mock election could somehow simulate what actually happens in the real world in a real RCV election. Those four studies reviewed above are fitting examples of inadequate and shaky political “science.” Other studies reviewed in our paper from the New America/Electoral Reform Research Group cohort which also used mock elections included: Ranked-Choice Voting is an Acquired Taste by Joseph Anthony and David C. Kimball. New America. (Anthony et al., 2021). Ranked-Choice Voting is No Refuge for Extreme Candidates by Melissa Baker. New America. (Baker, 2021). Also included in this New America cohort is Does Ranked-Choice Voting Reduce Racial Polarization? by Yuki Atsusaka and Theodore Landsman, which actually did use real-world election results data but applied an odd and unconventional methodology to the data which relied on shaky assumptions and non-real-world scenarios that were too divorced from reality. To determine levels of “racially polarized voting,” the researchers imagined “ethnic parties,” by which they mean political parties for each ethnic group, which was especially odd since the election data they were using came from nonpartisan RCV races. But then they made an even odder assumption, namely that since race and ethnic characteristics of studied voters were not available, the authors tried to infer that information based on who voters selected and the racial make-up of voters in each district. This amounted to little more than vague and ambiguous guesswork dressed up with a bunch of mathematical equations used to give it a veneer of scientific appearance. Indeed, it seemed to assume racial polarization in order to prove racial polarization. Based on this questionable methodology, the authors concluded that RCV doesn’t reduce racial polarization. But the premise of this study missed an obvious reality: since RCV incentivizes more candidates to run and can result in more diverse fields of candidates, one would expect more racially-polarized voting in voters’ top rankings, not less, because more voters would have someone on that ballot who represents their racial or ethnic identity and more freedom to vote for their real first choice. By encouraging more diverse candidates and eliminating the spoiler effect, RCV facilitates voting for a favorite candidate of your own race and then selecting a second choice with the best likelihood of winning. The real measure is what voters do with their additional rankings – do they consider other candidates and vote “for the best of the rest”? This study didn’t tell us anything useful about that. But readily available data shows this is common in real RCV elections, and candidates act on this knowledge by engaging with voters outside their racial group. So the authors of this study failed to consider or account for what actually happens in real-world elections, and their conclusions are tainted by this failure. New America has contributed a great deal over the past 2.5 decades to our understanding of many policy areas, including politics and political reform (full disclosure: Steven Hill, one of the authors of this article and of the “Shaky Political Science” research paper and series, is a former senior fellow and former director of New America’s political reform program, 2005-2010). So it was especially disappointing that New America funded and published such a large batch of dubious studies about ranked choice voting. The stated praiseworthy goal of its Electoral Reform Research Group was to inspire new academic research about ranked choice voting that would shed light and help the public better understand the impacts of RCV. Instead, the ERRG research did just the opposite. It produced dubious research that created more confusion and misinformation. In so doing, New America’s political reform program contributed to “shaky political science.” Steven Hill and Paul Haughey Share Upgrade to $5 subscription Thanks for reading DemocracySOS, a reader-supported digital portal for the pro-democracy movement. Subscribe for only $5 per month to receive full benefits and to support our work. Subscribe
Scientists just captured trees glowing with electricity during storms
Scientists chasing thunderstorms in a retrofitted minivan finally captured something never seen before in nature: faint electrical glows shimmering from treetops during a storm. These “corona discharges,” long suspected but never observed outside a lab, appeared as tiny UV flashes at the tips of leaves. The discovery could reshape how we understand forests, since these bursts may help clean the air by breaking down pollutants.
Opinion: An ode to my father and independent health care
Discover the challenges faced by independent health care providers, including an optometrist and midwife, as they navigate a changing industry.
FSU's "Art in STEM" exhibition shows the beauty of science
The exhibition helps the FSU community "bridge the gap between scientific discovery and popular interest." Neighbors can view the exhibition at FSU's Dirac Science Library through the summer.
Scientists discover skincare compound that kills drug-resistant bacteria
A popular Korean skincare ingredient may be far more powerful than anyone realized. Scientists have discovered that madecassic acid—derived from the herb Centella asiatica—can stop antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their tracks, including dangerous strains of E. coli. By targeting a bacterial protein that humans don’t have, the compound disrupts the microbes’ ability to survive, making it a promising new type of antibiotic.
The Science of piRNA and Predicting Death With a Blood Test
A new study analyzed piRNA — first discovered in 2006 — as a strong predictor of short-term survival in older patients. It could one day be a simple blood test.
Cher was 'speechless' after discovering her son fathered child with Julie Andrews' step-granddaughter
Cher was 'speechless' after discovering her son, Elijah Blue Allman, fathered child with Julie Andrews' step-granddaughter.
Science Expeditions Campus Open House brings STEM wonder to the whole family - Morgridge Institute for Research
The Discovery Building and other venues across campus brought the magic of STEM discovery to visitors of all ages at Science Expeditions Campus Open House, a flagship spring event for science engagement.
Scientists Discover a Major Flaw in How We Search for Life on Other Planets
Planets can't remain habitable for long without a massive hidden supply of water.
These Salmon Got High on Cocaine. That Wasn’t the Craziest Part.
Scientists in Sweden made an unexpected discovery when they exposed the fish to the illegal drug as well as another substance.
Footballs could be designed to reduce impact of heading
Scientists believe footballs could be designed to reduce the impact of heading after new research discovered the action caused a previously unreported pressure wave energy transfer to the brain.
Scientists Just Discovered an Entire Hidden Supervolcano in the Middle of Europe
Don’t cancel your vacation plans just yet, because it probably won’t erupt soon.
NRL Celebrates 60 Years of Plasma Physics Innovation
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its Plasma Physics Division, marking six decades of scientific discovery that has advanced the understanding of plasma,
62 years later, the first known black hole is unleashing energy equal to 10,000 Suns
Science News: For over six decades since its discovery, Cygnus X-1 - the first black hole confirmed to exist - has yielded some very interesting and important disco.
What events are happening in the South Bend area from April 20 to 26?
Discover concerts, festivals, theater, and family fun in South Bend and Michiana from April 20-26, 2026.
Health inspectors cite 16 Shelton eateries, 1 school for violations
The Naugatuck Valley Health District inspected 80 locations in Shelton from January to March 2026, discovering serious violations at 17 of them.
Discover, explore and analyse business statistics
Have you ever wished you could see how a certain economic activity is performing without drowning in datasets or spreadsheets? Meet the Business sector profiles: your one-stop gateway for fast insights, easy to grasp comparisons and deep dives into the EU’s business economy. This tool puts everything in one place offering...
Starwatch: Lyrid meteor shower returns to the spring skies
First recorded in 687BC, the meteoroids were once part of the tail of a comet discovered in 1861
Scientists stunned as bacteria rewire DNA machinery to shape cells
Cyanobacteria—ancient microbes that oxygenated Earth and made complex life possible—are still revealing surprises billions of years later. Scientists have now discovered that a molecular system once used to separate DNA has been repurposed into something entirely different: a structure that shapes the cell itself.
New tools drive scientific discovery: evidence from all nobel-prize and major non-nobel breakthroughs
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications - New tools drive scientific discovery: evidence from all nobel-prize and major non-nobel breakthroughs
Modder Discovers Abandoned Dark Souls II Sewer Level
The infamous Gutter appears to have been far more ambitious in an earlier development phase
Felt lost moving back to my hometown at 30; new activity helped
I struggled to adjust to living in my hometown after spending years abroad. Discovering Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped me build community and confidence.
Surprising Discovery That AI Performs Subliminal Learning And Does So In Mysterious Ways
Newly published research suggests that AI can subliminally learn. This is exciting but also disconcerting. Evil AI could sneakily turn other AI. An AI Insider scoop.
The Barents Sea is receiving more and more warm water, and scientists believe they have finally found the reason that had eluded them for 40 years
Scientists solve a 40-year Arctic mystery. Discover how a subtle shift in weather "rhythm" is pumping warm Atlantic water into the North.
Rosalind Franklin, chemist: “Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated”
A pioneering DNA scientist reflects on science, faith and purpose, offering a grounded view of how discovery and everyday life intertwine
Four UC Berkeley L&S professors win illustrious Guggenheim Fellowships
From Zora Neale Hurston to Jennifer Doudna, winners of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship are known for artistic creations, scientific discoveries and groundbreaking scholarship that fundamentally
Scientists Discover a Strange Arachnid Trapped in Amber 35 Million Years Ago
We've never seen these here before.
Archaeologists discover perfectly circular ancient Egyptian temple that may have been used for sacred water rituals
The temple included a network of water infrastructure, revealing the importance of the ancient city and the Nile.
OpenAI Has a New AI Model Built for Biology and Science
GPT-Rosalind is intended to help scientists streamline their research and drug discovery.
Party like it’s 1999 at Social Science: Y2K at The Discovery
Social Science: Y2K takes place Saturday, April 18 from 7-10 p.m.
LSU celebrates ribbon cutting for new the Interdisciplinary Science Building
Earlier today, Louisiana State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building. The building will serve as the home to a new campus district focused on scientific discovery. LSU officials aim to use this building to create a collaborative space for STEM majors . LSU broke ground...
Volunteers Discover Rare Space Weather Events Using Their Ears
Scientists are working to understand exactly how these waves behave, and the team behind NASA’s Heliophysics Audified: Resonances in Plasmas (HARP) citizen science project approaches this in a unique way: they compare the Earth’s magnetic field to a giant harp in space.
Scientists discover bacteria can “explode” to spread antibiotic resistance
Scientists have uncovered a surprising twist in how bacteria share genes—including those that spread antibiotic resistance. Tiny virus-like particles called gene transfer agents (GTAs), once ancient viral invaders, have been repurposed by bacteria into delivery systems that shuttle DNA between neighboring cells. The study reveals a key control hub of three genes, dubbed LypABC, that triggers bacterial cells to burst open and release these DNA-packed couriers.
Xanax XR recalled after discovery that tablets may fail to release medication properly
A batch of Xanax XR has been recalled nationwide after the manufacturer found the drug may not release properly in the body. The FDA classified the issue as moderate risk.
Netflix Chair Reed Hastings to Leave Board in June
Co-founder won’t stand for re-election to the board, Netflix said in first earnings report since pulling out of the Warner Discovery bid.
Purdue senior strengthens data and computer science skills
Jordan Reynolds has discovered a career path that blends her math and stats expertise with her health care interests.
Spring & Summer Entertainment Lineup at the F.M. Kirby Center | Live Music & Theater
From John Legend and Grand Funk Railroad to the return of the Classic Film Series and the 8th Annual Kirby Fest, the F.M. Kirby Center is bringing can’t-miss entertainment to Wilkes-Barre.
AI "nudify" apps are being offered to everyone on the Google Play Store
Offending apps were removed, but does more need to be done?