Should We Listen to That French Fry Recommendation?
Fries aren't the healthiest food, but they do not act alone.
According to Research
A look at the science behind a claim in the news.
New Research Says Birth Month Can Predict ADHD Diagnoses. But So Can Gender.
A new study indicates that teachers and parents may be looking for ADHD in the wrong places—and missing it in others.
The Myths Behind the Idea That Domestic Violence Is a 'Personal Problem'
A viral Thrillist story about a burger joint left out domestic abuse charges against the owner—but intimate partner violence isn't a private issue.
Police Violence and Poor Mental Health Go Together
A new study shows that exposure to police violence is linked with negative mental-health outcomes.
Climate Change Does More Than 'Maybe Contribute a Little Bit': Debunking Trump's California Wildfire Claims
What research tells us about the impact of climate change, forest management, and more on California's fires.
The Less People Understand Science, the More Afraid of GMOs They Are
A lack of scientific literacy is correlated with undue fears around genetic modification, chemicals, and common food production techniques.
How Mass Shootings Impact the Mental Health of Survivors
After the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, here's what research can tell us about the tragedy's effects on mental health.
What Would Ending Birthright Citizenship Mean for the United States?
Social science (and history) shows that repealing birthright citizenship is rarely an effective solution for an overburdened nation.
A Look Into the Evidence That 'Lone Wolf' Terrorists Are a Pack
Studies find that many of them connect with like-minded believers online and broadcast their ideology and intentions before they act.
Why Is Milk Being Called a White Supremacist Symbol?
Although research debunks white supremacists' claims about lactose intolerance, race has long played a role in American milk-drinking.
Here's What Trump Gets Wrong About California's Water Supply
No, the state does not really have plenty of water.
Defining 'Sex' Isn't as Clear as the Trump Administration Claims
Science shows that a binary model for sex doesn't hold up to human variation.
Trump May Be Pushing to Clear-Cut California's Forests to Manage Fires. Here's Why That's Dangerous.
Studies show that removing trees actually make fires more intense, wreaking further havoc on both human and wildlife habitat.
Trump Is Still a Fan of Stop and Frisk. But Does It Work?
President Trump on Monday echoed arguments from his campaign, but his information seems outdated.
False Reports of Sexual Assault Are Rare. But Why Is There So Little Reliable Data About Them?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that false rape reports drastically exceed those of other crimes.
The Most Competitive High Schools Don't Guarantee Success. What About Ones Like Georgetown Prep?
Research suggests that being surrounded by well-off peers in not-too-intense academic environments can lead to lifetime gains.
Can Small Doses of Radiation Harm You? The EPA Isn't Convinced.
A new rule might open the door for regulation rollbacks on radiation and harmful chemicals.
Extreme Weather Won't Convince Climate Skeptics
People are very good at incorporating contradictory information into their belief systems.
For Ford, Could the Senate Hearings Open Up Old Wounds?
Research shows that the trauma of sexual assault lingers for victims, and ruminating over the memory of an assault could re-traumatize survivors.
What the Research Says About (the Very Rare Phenomenon of) False Sexual Assault Allegations
Pacific Standard looks at the evidence about people who make false accusations of rape, and how to get the best information during sexual assault cases.
How Typical Is Bill Cosby's Sentence?
Cosby received three to 10 years in state prison. How does that measure up to other sentences?
Research Shows Immigrants Are Not a Drain on U.S. Resources
The Trump administration wants to keep out immigrants who burden the American taxpayer. How big is that burden really?
Science Says: Believe Women
Here's what the politicians and pundits are saying about Christine Blasey Ford's allegations—and what the research can tell us about the truth of their claims.
Americans' Attitudes Toward Suicide Are Softening
But as with so many social issues, the liberal-conservative divide has grown wider over time.