Undark Magazine
@undark.org
Non-profit & editorially independent. Exploring science as a frequently wondrous, sometimes contentious, and occasionally troubling byproduct of human culture.
undark.org
undark.org
The narratives we use to explain voting behavior are breaking down. Political identity is more dynamic and unpredictable than researchers assumed. New approaches needed to understand elections in real time.
The Increasingly Complex Science of Political Identity
Opinion | Understanding why people vote the way they do has emerged as a cutting-edge scientific question requiring new tools.
f.mtr.cool
November 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The narratives we use to explain voting behavior are breaking down. Political identity is more dynamic and unpredictable than researchers assumed. New approaches needed to understand elections in real time.
Biological control saved California's citrus in 1888. But it also drove Hawaiian snails to extinction. Regulators tightened oversight, and now pre-release testing now takes 3-15 years, and costs $1-2M. It's safer, but maybe too cautious?
Is It Time for a New Era in Invasive Species Control?
Regulations make it hard to introduce organisms that quash invasive species. Some experts see missed opportunities.
f.mtr.cool
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Biological control saved California's citrus in 1888. But it also drove Hawaiian snails to extinction. Regulators tightened oversight, and now pre-release testing now takes 3-15 years, and costs $1-2M. It's safer, but maybe too cautious?
Reports claimed organs were taken from living patients, but medical evidence points to known post-death phenomena being misunderstood. The misinformation threatens a system that depends on public trust to function.
Misinformation About the End of Life Is Harming Organ Donation
Opinion | Concerns about patient safety have turned into alarmism. To save lives, news outlets must set the record straight.
f.mtr.cool
November 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Reports claimed organs were taken from living patients, but medical evidence points to known post-death phenomena being misunderstood. The misinformation threatens a system that depends on public trust to function.
Coyotes expanded their range by 40% since 1900, from grasslands to cities, Alaska to Central America. While most wildlife struggle, they're thriving by adapting to human-altered landscapes. Evolution in real time.
Book Excerpt: How Coyotes Found a New Homeland in the East
The explosion of populations east of the Mississippi was made possible by logging and the slaughter of wolves.
f.mtr.cool
November 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Coyotes expanded their range by 40% since 1900, from grasslands to cities, Alaska to Central America. While most wildlife struggle, they're thriving by adapting to human-altered landscapes. Evolution in real time.
For decades, researchers warned about chemicals harming children's health. Few listened. Now Kennedy's in the Trump admin, championing similar concerns. Birnbaum calls it a "dance with the devil", risky, but an opportunity too significant to ignore.
The Cultural and Political Moment for Toxins Research
A longstanding push for urgent action on environmental toxins is landing in an unprecedented time in American politics.
f.mtr.cool
November 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM
For decades, researchers warned about chemicals harming children's health. Few listened. Now Kennedy's in the Trump admin, championing similar concerns. Birnbaum calls it a "dance with the devil", risky, but an opportunity too significant to ignore.
"If science teaches us anything, it's that the certainties we hold are destined to be overturned." A review of Oren Harman's "Metamorphosis" explores how transformation in caterpillars, societies, and ourselves is the only constant.
Book Review: The Mystery of Transformation in Nature
Oren Harman's "Metamorphosis" explores the minutiae of biological change and the mechanics of how life shifts forms.
f.mtr.cool
November 7, 2025 at 4:03 PM
"If science teaches us anything, it's that the certainties we hold are destined to be overturned." A review of Oren Harman's "Metamorphosis" explores how transformation in caterpillars, societies, and ourselves is the only constant.
Political scientists argue our old models are failing. Recent elections reveal voting patterns don't match expectations. We need new frameworks to understand political identity in 2025 and why people vote the way they do.
The Increasingly Complex Science of Political Identity
Opinion | Understanding why people vote the way they do has emerged as a cutting-edge scientific question requiring new tools.
f.mtr.cool
November 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Political scientists argue our old models are failing. Recent elections reveal voting patterns don't match expectations. We need new frameworks to understand political identity in 2025 and why people vote the way they do.
Federal regulators are cracking down on direct-to-consumer drug ads, aiming for more transparency. Experts warn that legal challenges and long-standing industry practices may limit how much patients actually benefit from these changes.
What Will the Trump-Era Crackdown on Drug Ads Accomplish?
The federal government announced a new approach to regulating pharmaceutical ads. Consumers may not see a difference.
undark.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Federal regulators are cracking down on direct-to-consumer drug ads, aiming for more transparency. Experts warn that legal challenges and long-standing industry practices may limit how much patients actually benefit from these changes.
Heat-exposed workers face kidney disease cutting life expectancy 15-20 years. No federal U.S. heat standard exists, but research shows shade, water, breaks reduce injury by 94%. Originally published by @pubhealthwatch.bsky.social
In the U.S., Heat-Exposed Workers Risk Chronic Kidney Disease
Some experts believe CKD is the first chronic illness directly connected to climate change. Prevention may be possible.
f.mtr.cool
November 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Heat-exposed workers face kidney disease cutting life expectancy 15-20 years. No federal U.S. heat standard exists, but research shows shade, water, breaks reduce injury by 94%. Originally published by @pubhealthwatch.bsky.social
Millions suffer from PMDD, a menstrual disorder so severe it can lead to suicidal ideation. But it wasn't added to the WHO's diagnostic manual until 2022, and many doctors still don't recognize it.
A Struggle to Find Adequate Care for a Common Menstrual Disorder
Millions of women have pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. But diagnoses and treatments vary considerably.
undark.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Millions suffer from PMDD, a menstrual disorder so severe it can lead to suicidal ideation. But it wasn't added to the WHO's diagnostic manual until 2022, and many doctors still don't recognize it.
Nearly a million U.S. teens are vaping CBD, sold as harmless stress-relief. But their brains are still under construction. Early research suggests CBD may disrupt the neural wiring forming during adolescence.
CBD’s Unseen Effects on the Teenage Brain
Opinion | Cannabidiol is sold as safe, but animal studies are showing that it can interfere with adolescent brain development.
f.mtr.cool
November 5, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Nearly a million U.S. teens are vaping CBD, sold as harmless stress-relief. But their brains are still under construction. Early research suggests CBD may disrupt the neural wiring forming during adolescence.
The anti-sunscreen trend is spreading fast, but experts say UV exposure is still more harmful than chemical absorption. New guidelines suggest customizing protection by skin tone, with light skin needing extra care and dark skin less.
What the Anti-Sunscreen Movement Misses
New research suggests sunlight has unexpected benefits, but this doesn't mean everyone should ditch their sunscreen.
undark.org
November 4, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The anti-sunscreen trend is spreading fast, but experts say UV exposure is still more harmful than chemical absorption. New guidelines suggest customizing protection by skin tone, with light skin needing extra care and dark skin less.
Indigenous nations call the Hudson Bay peatlands "the breathing lands", Earth's temperature regulator. But mining exploration is already disturbing this fragile ecosystem before a single mineshaft is dug. Originally published by @vox.com .
The Land That Stores Nearly a Third of the World's Carbon
Peatlands act as a crucial climate regulator, and are increasingly at the center of conflicts over resource extraction.
undark.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Indigenous nations call the Hudson Bay peatlands "the breathing lands", Earth's temperature regulator. But mining exploration is already disturbing this fragile ecosystem before a single mineshaft is dug. Originally published by @vox.com .
ChatGPT isn't built to be your therapist, but millions use it that way. AI chatbots reinforce delusions, encourage self-harm, and fail at crises. Yet for many, it's the only mental health support available. Experts call for urgent regulation.
Researchers Weigh the Use of AI for Mental Health
Chatbots weren't designed for mental health, but they are increasingly used for therapy. What are the risks an benefits?
f.mtr.cool
November 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
ChatGPT isn't built to be your therapist, but millions use it that way. AI chatbots reinforce delusions, encourage self-harm, and fail at crises. Yet for many, it's the only mental health support available. Experts call for urgent regulation.
Since 2020, 30,000+ donated after circulatory death. Recent reports misinterpreted normal post-death phenomena as patients being alive. Medical experts warn the confusion threatens trust in a system that saves lives.
Misinformation About the End of Life Is Harming Organ Donation
Opinion | Concerns about patient safety have turned into alarmism. To save lives, news outlets must set the record straight.
f.mtr.cool
November 4, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Since 2020, 30,000+ donated after circulatory death. Recent reports misinterpreted normal post-death phenomena as patients being alive. Medical experts warn the confusion threatens trust in a system that saves lives.
Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced, but a racial gap persists: Black patients are diagnosed later and underrepresented in trials. Disparities may widen amid funding cuts. Originally published by @kffhealthnews.org
Despite Racial Disparities, Multiple Myeloma Patients See Hope
Progress has been made in identifying and treating the disease, but the impact of federal cuts is yet to be borne out.
f.mtr.cool
November 3, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Multiple myeloma treatment has advanced, but a racial gap persists: Black patients are diagnosed later and underrepresented in trials. Disparities may widen amid funding cuts. Originally published by @kffhealthnews.org
Standard Time begins today. We gained an hour, but research shows millions still wake before sunrise due to time misalignment. Chronobiologists say this structural problem poses a risk to our health and safety.
People Hate Daylight Saving. Science Tells Us Why.
Something is awry about the way we mark time. Can research and policy changes help us reset the clocks?
f.mtr.cool
November 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Standard Time begins today. We gained an hour, but research shows millions still wake before sunrise due to time misalignment. Chronobiologists say this structural problem poses a risk to our health and safety.
Tomorrow we fall back and gain an hour. But scientists warn the real problem isn't the clock shift, it's that millions are forced to wake before sunrise due to time zone misalignment, disrupting our natural rhythms and triggering health crises.
People Hate Daylight Saving. Science Tells Us Why.
Something is awry about the way we mark time. Can research and policy changes help us reset the clocks?
f.mtr.cool
November 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Tomorrow we fall back and gain an hour. But scientists warn the real problem isn't the clock shift, it's that millions are forced to wake before sunrise due to time zone misalignment, disrupting our natural rhythms and triggering health crises.
Recent organ donation coverage led thousands to leave registries. Professionals say stories confused end-of-life protocols with transplants. Experts warn about consequences for trust.
Misinformation About the End of Life Is Harming Organ Donation
Opinion | Concerns about patient safety have turned into alarmism. To save lives, news outlets must set the record straight.
f.mtr.cool
October 31, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Recent organ donation coverage led thousands to leave registries. Professionals say stories confused end-of-life protocols with transplants. Experts warn about consequences for trust.
Medical exemptions from unlicensed doctors for $495? Frontline Health Advocates is under investigation for issuing potentially fraudulent vaccine exemptions across multiple states.
Inside the Marketplace for Vaccine Medical Exemptions
The organization Frontline Health Advocates provides medical exemption notes — for a fee. What exactly are they selling?
f.mtr.cool
October 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Medical exemptions from unlicensed doctors for $495? Frontline Health Advocates is under investigation for issuing potentially fraudulent vaccine exemptions across multiple states.
Nearly a million U.S. teens are vaping CBD, sold as harmless stress-relief. But early research suggests it may interfere with adolescent brain development. A new opinion examines what we don't know about CBD's effects.
CBD’s Unseen Effects on the Teenage Brain
Opinion | Cannabidiol is sold as safe, but animal studies are showing that it can interfere with adolescent brain development.
f.mtr.cool
October 31, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Nearly a million U.S. teens are vaping CBD, sold as harmless stress-relief. But early research suggests it may interfere with adolescent brain development. A new opinion examines what we don't know about CBD's effects.
Peatlands cover just 3% of Earth but store nearly 1/3 of the world's carbon. When drained for mining, they spark "zombie fires" that burn underground for months, releasing 100x the carbon of normal wildfires. Originally published by @vox.com .
The Land That Stores Nearly a Third of the World's Carbon
Peatlands act as a crucial climate regulator, and are increasingly at the center of conflicts over resource extraction.
undark.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Peatlands cover just 3% of Earth but store nearly 1/3 of the world's carbon. When drained for mining, they spark "zombie fires" that burn underground for months, releasing 100x the carbon of normal wildfires. Originally published by @vox.com .
Memory manipulation is moving from sci-fi to clinical reality. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez's research shows how activating positive memories could ease depression. His book explores the science and the urgent ethical questions that come with it.
How Memories Might Be Used to Help Heal the Brain
In a new book, Steve Ramirez explores the potential of memory manipulation to ease depression and other afflictions.
f.mtr.cool
October 29, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Memory manipulation is moving from sci-fi to clinical reality. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez's research shows how activating positive memories could ease depression. His book explores the science and the urgent ethical questions that come with it.
That chrysalis "goo" isn't chaos. It's ordered transformation waiting for the right signal. A new review of Oren Harman's "Metamorphosis" reveals how nature's most dramatic changes are choreographed from the beginning.
Book Review: The Mystery of Transformation in Nature
Oren Harman's "Metamorphosis" explores the minutiae of biological change and the mechanics of how life shifts forms.
f.mtr.cool
October 29, 2025 at 3:12 PM
That chrysalis "goo" isn't chaos. It's ordered transformation waiting for the right signal. A new review of Oren Harman's "Metamorphosis" reveals how nature's most dramatic changes are choreographed from the beginning.
The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act seeks to revamp the FDA’s review process. Could it usher in more effective sunscreens?
A New Bill’s Bid to Bring Better Sunscreens
The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act seeks to revamp the FDA’s review process. Could it usher in more effective sunscreens?
undark.org
October 29, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act seeks to revamp the FDA’s review process. Could it usher in more effective sunscreens?