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Archive

Archives for December 2014

Almanac
5 surprising facts about the science of swearing5 surprising facts about the science of swearing
Almanac

#1: We seem to be doing more swearing than ever

By Joseph Stromberg
archives
7 addictive podcasts that aren’t Serial7 addictive podcasts that aren’t Serial
archives

Now that the true-crime podcast’s first season is over, here are some suggestions to fill the space it’s left on your phone (and in your heart).

By Libby Nelson
Science
Why are scientists trying to map every single neuron in the brain?Why are scientists trying to map every single neuron in the brain?
Science

There are 85 billion neurons in the human brain with 100 trillion connections between them. Here’s how scientists are creating the ultimate brain atlas.

By Susannah Locke
Culture
Here’s why millions of Americans are binge-watching Korean dramasHere’s why millions of Americans are binge-watching Korean dramas
Culture

There’s a Netflix for K-Dramas, and most of its users aren’t Asian.

By Brandon Ambrosino
Politics
One billion votes. 31 cases of voter ID fraud.One billion votes. 31 cases of voter ID fraud.
Politics

Voter ID laws do nothing about the actual voter fraud problems. But they do hurt thousands of voters.

By Ezra Klein
Culture
The best sketch on last night’s Saturday Night LiveThe best sketch on last night’s Saturday Night Live
Culture

“Girlfriends Talk Show,” featured two presumably high school girls talking about their lives and friends

By Kelsey McKinney
archives
Correction: Tonight will not be the longest night in the history of Earth.Correction: Tonight will not be the longest night in the history of Earth.
archives

Days are getting longer — but tonight won’t be the longest period of darkness ever

By Joseph Stromberg
Science
Scientist who claimed stem-cell breakthrough resigns after misconduct scandalScientist who claimed stem-cell breakthrough resigns after misconduct scandal
Science

This might be one of the better things that has ever come out of a comments section on the internet.

By Susannah Locke
World Politics
North Korea trolls America with offer to “investigate” Sony hackNorth Korea trolls America with offer to “investigate” Sony hack
World Politics

The North Korean proposes a joint investigation into the hack, but the regime doesn’t seem that interested in clearing its name.

By Timothy B. Lee
Almanac
How catnip gets your cat highHow catnip gets your cat high
Almanac

This is what happens when you give a psychoactive drug to your pet.

By Joseph Stromberg
archives
Religion on your resume might cost you the jobReligion on your resume might cost you the job
archives

Applicants highlighting religious involvement on their resumes are less likely to hear back from potential employers, according to two studies.

By Brandon Ambrosino
Life
It’s time for the US to use the metric systemIt’s time for the US to use the metric system
Life

Everyone else is doing it.

By Susannah Locke
Almanac
Insects are having sex in your coffee beans. Seriously.Insects are having sex in your coffee beans. Seriously.
Almanac

Try not to think about it.

By Brandon Ambrosino
Culture
Madonna announces 2015 album, drops six new songsMadonna announces 2015 album, drops six new songs
Culture

Friday at midnight, 80s pop queen Madonna dropped a new song and announced her new album, Rebel Heart.

By Kelsey McKinney
North Korea
One map that shows just how poor North Korea isOne map that shows just how poor North Korea is
North Korea

When you look at a country’s electricity use at night, you get a pretty good picture of how wealth it is. And the comparison between North and South Korea is stunning.

By Zack Beauchamp