The behind-the-scenes people and organizations connecting science and decision-making

by Sanjana_18

Sometimes individuals or organizations naturally broker information between scientists and policymakers, even though it may not be a stated part of their job.

How palm oil became the world’s most hated, most used fat source

by Sanjana_18

Palm oil was first used to dye margarine yellow, but it turned out to be a perfect main ingredient because it stayed firm at room temperature and melted in the mouth, just like butter.

Millions are rejecting one of humanity’s best weapons for saving lives: Vaccines

by Sanjana_18

Vaccines show the immune system what the virus looks like so our bodies can manufacture specific antibodies to that virus. These antibodies then bind to and inactivate or destroy invading viruses.

India’s pandemic exodus was a biological disaster and stranded migrant workers should be classified as internally displaced

by Sanjana_18

Shortly after the announcement of a lockdown, it was reasonably anticipated that the closure of business would detrimentally affect the social and economic conditions of millions of daily wage workers in the country.

Working with dangerous viruses sounds like trouble – but here’s what scientists learn from studying pathogens in secure labs

by Sanjana_18

There is no such thing as zero risks in any endeavour, but over many years, researchers have developed safe laboratory methods for working with dangerous pathogens.

A judge’s example: How we can all educate ourselves on LGBT rights

by An_Indian

Judge Anand Venkatesh consulted a psychologist in a case of police harassment of a lesbian couple, admitting his own “ignorance and prejudice” about same-sex relationships.

Sharing a cell with Covid-19: the political activists locked up without trial

by An_Indian

Today, being arrested could mean a death sentence. Thousands are in jail while awaiting trial, sometimes for years. As the coronavirus rages, prisoners have no protection.

Does outer space end – or go on forever?

by Sanjana_18

These are questions scientists don’t have definite answers to yet. Many think it’s likely you would just keep passing galaxies in every direction, forever. In that case, the universe would be infinite, with no end.

Three women died in Kerala this week as a result of dowry disputes. This violence against women must stop

by An_Indian

The dowry system was abolished in India in 1961. So why are thousands of young women dying every year in “dowry death” cases?

Dowry deaths: A young woman dies because her husband wanted a better car

by An_Indian

“Dowry deaths” are a form of violence against women, and India has by far the highest number in the world.