Are Relations Between Science Agencies and Science Journalists at a New Low?
A look at past surveys of scientists and journalists shows relations have been deteriorating for some time, and have hit a new low under the Trump administration.
Communication
The Unique Linguistic Effects of 'Laughing Out Loud'
Historically, written language has been created to represent spoken language. For the first time, that dynamic is working in the opposite direction.
Lemurs Like to Chit-Chat Too
Ringtailed lemurs, just like humans, reserve conversation for those they feel more connected with.
How the Lie That American Muslims Cheered on 9/11 Began
Four years after the terrorist attack, an expert on folklore traced one such rumor to its source.
Speaking a Mile in Someone Else's Shoes
A new study suggests children exposed to other languages better understand what other people want.
How the News Covers Climate Change, and Why It Matters
Scientists review news coverage of three IPCC reports, revealing common media narratives—and an unfocused media strategy on the part of the IPCC.
College Kids Will Literally Text Through Anything
A new study shows just how badly college kids crave their emoji-laden communication.
Baleen Whales Can Feel It in Their Bones
A first-of-its-kind study sheds light on the elusive subject of whale noises.
Emailing Your Future Self
Send-later functions aren't just ways of disguising your sleeping and working habits. They're an opportunity to confront your past and your future.
Is the Quest to Build a Kinder, Gentler Surgeon Misguided?
Surgery is a fundamentally messy and stressful activity. When being a few millimeters off target can be life-changing, a surgeon needs to possess fierce concentration, unrelenting perfectionism, and, above all, staunch self-assurance.
Presence of a Smartphone Lowers Quality of Conversations
New research finds having a mobile device within easy reach divides your attention, even if you're not actively looking at it.
The Internet Is Improving the Way We Communicate
Panic about the rise of social media is largely overhyped and misplaced.
The Future of the Telephone Hotline
A new documentary looks at the history of anonymous hotlines, what place they occupy in America today, and where they might fit in going forward.
Twitter, Modified
If the beloved platform falls short of our public discourse, can we imagine a more public alternative?
When Miscommunication Is The Most Common Form of Communication
No, not everyone in Germany speaks English.
Will We Ever See the End of Swearing?
Unless we want to give up the idea of communication altogether, then probably not.
Why Don't Cars Have a 'Sorry' Signal?
It might be a cure for road rage—or just the cause of more accidents.
Study: Long-Distance Relationships Really Can Work
While there are certain tradeoffs, researchers report long-distance romantic relationships can be highly satisfying.
Postal Service by Projectile: Delivering Mail With Rockets
Long before email, it was predicted that traditional letters would be dropped off using the ever-advancing technology of the Space Age.
A Buyer’s Guide to Safer Communication
There are a lot of ways to talk to people securely on the Internet, some are purpose-built to enhance your privacy and security. Here’s a guide to getting started.
Worried About Mass Surveillance? Here's How to Practice Safer Communication
What you need to know to make your communications private.