Cognitive dissonance might be psychology’s most ubiquitous concept—the idea that when our beliefs clash with reality, we’ll twist our thinking to resolve the discomfort. Leon Festinger developed the theory in the 1950s, partly by infiltrating a doomsday cult called the Seekers. But[...]
Section: Science & Research
News |
Hundreds of Canada goose deaths in Manitoba leave wildlife experts perplexed
Wildlife experts in Manitoba are trying to make sense of an unusually high number of Canada goose deaths across several communities this fall. While avian influenza is a known threat, researchers say the scale of mortality is surprising given that many birds[...]
News |
Australia’s world-first social media ban is a ‘natural experiment’ for scientists
Australia’s sweeping new ban on social media use for anyone under 16 has sparked outrage among teens, but for researchers it opens an unprecedented window into how digital limits shape young lives. The policy forces tech companies to block youth accounts or[...]
Curio |
We Think We Love Driving (But We Don’t)
A growing body of research suggests our attachment to driving may be more emotional than practical. A new analysis argues that reluctance toward self-driving cars stems less from genuine love of being behind the wheel and more from fear—fear of losing control,[...]
News |
Pompeii House Frozen Mid-Renovation Reveals Secrets of Roman Cement
The latest excavation at Pompeii has revealed something rare: a Roman construction site preserved mid-project, complete with the raw materials for their famously durable concrete. Researchers studying those piles confirmed that ancient builders used “hot mixing”—combining quicklime and volcanic ash in ways[...]
Subscribe!
It's free and it helps us grow and provide better information ForMinot!
News |
What we eat is making us obese and sick — but science shows solutions are within reach
Kevin Hall reshaped nutrition research in 2019 when his controlled study showed that ultra-processed foods can override appetite and quietly add hundreds of calories a day. His new book Food Intelligence revisits that finding and argues that the problem goes well beyond[...]
Curio |
Watch: Why Leftover Pizza Is Actually Healthier: The Science of “Resistant Starch”
Leftover pizza may have just earned a surprising nutritional upgrade. Researchers studying how starchy foods behave when cooled found that pizza crust—along with rice, pasta, and potatoes—develops what’s called “resistant starch.” Once cooled below about 40 degrees, those starches link into chains[...]
Curio |
Reading: What If the Moon Were Cheese? John Scalzi’s Latest Book Has the Answer
John Scalzi’s latest science-fiction novel opens with a premise as absurd as it is universal: what if the moon suddenly turned into cheese? Rather than treating it as a throwaway joke, Scalzi builds a world where scientists, politicians, journalists, and everyday people[...]
News |
An influential article that called Monsanto’s Roundup safe for humans has been retracted 25 years later
A scientific article long used to support the safety of Roundup has now been formally withdrawn, after 25 years of influence over regulatory decisions. Elsevier retracted the 2000 paper, acknowledging evidence that it relied exclusively on Monsanto-generated data and may have been[...]
News |
How to educate teens about CWD? A video game, of course
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a deadly neurological illness in deer caused by a misfolded protein; it isn’t easy to understand. Recognizing that complex science needs engaging delivery, University of Minnesota researchers have developed a unique solution: “Cofactor.” This new text-based video game,[...]
Subscribe!
It's free and it helps us grow and provide better information ForMinot!
News |
U of M launches fruit licensing program for growers
The University of Minnesota is doubling down on its fruit-breeding legacy with six new apple and grape varieties, offering small growers a fresh edge in an increasingly competitive market. Through its Superior Fruit Innovations program, the creators of the Honeycrisp are opening[...]
News |
Scientists Reveal What Black Friday Is Doing to Your Brain
Every November, Black Friday arrives with big claims of massive savings and “one-day-only” deals. We are bombarded with offers that seem too good to pass up. But beneath all this lies something far more strategic. Black Friday is not simply about a[...]
Curio |
Human Evolution Is Still Happening, And Here’s The Evidence
Many people assume that modern comforts have lifted us beyond the reach of evolution, but the evidence points in a very different direction. Human traits continue to shift in response to climate, food, and disease — just as they always have. Skin[...]
News |
Long-Term U.S. Study Finds Fluoride Safe for Children’s Development
Concerns over fluoride in tap water have resurfaced in recent years, with some states rolling back fluoridation and national figures questioning its safety. But a massive, decades-long U.S. study is pushing back on those claims. Researchers tracked thousands of Americans and found[...]
News |
Province launches CWD Dashboard to help monitor and manage disease in big game
Manitoba is giving hunters a new tool to stay ahead of Chronic Wasting Disease, and it’s built with clarity and real-time decision-making in mind. The province has launched an interactive CWD Dashboard, offering up-to-date maps, testing locations, and data filters to help[...]
Subscribe!
It's free and it helps us grow and provide better information ForMinot!
News |
$50M in agriculture research funding secured for NDSU and partners in 2026
North Dakota agriculture is set for a major boost, and NDSU will be at the center of it. During a roundtable with researchers and producers, Sen. John Hoeven outlined more than $50 million secured for FY 2026 — funding aimed at everything[...]