Four factors that drove 2023’s extreme heat
2023 was the hottest year in recorded history. Michael Wysession, a professor of earth, environmental and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences, explains four factors that drove the year’s extreme heat and climate disasters — and what this means for the future.
Navigating political discussions at holiday gatherings
Planning to stay mum around the holiday table when the subject of politics comes up? Political scientist Taylor Carlson, in Arts & Sciences, says we would be better off learning to have open, respectful conversations with one another — especially with those who have opposing viewpoints.
Open enrollment privacy concerns
During this open enrollment season, parents should consider privacy implications when adding their adult children to their health insurance plan, said a health insurance expert at Washington University in St. Louis.
Some parasites turn hosts into ‘zombies’
While the flesh-eating undead portrayed on television are just fiction, there are clear examples of parasites that have evolved to manipulate their hosts, according to Theresa Gildner in Arts & Sciences.
Your smart speaker data is used in ways you might not expect
Amazon uses smart speaker interaction data to infer user interests and target ads in ways the company was not upfront about, according to research from Umar Iqbal at the McKelvey School of Engineering.
Timing of Hamas’ strike followed pattern, but no match for Israel’s military
Research by David Carter in Arts & Sciences suggests instability around the world and in the Middle East was likely a contributing factor in Hamas’ decision to attack Israel on Oct. 7.
Trauma, histories of victimhood will influence Israeli response
New research by Carly Wayne, assistant professor of political science in Arts & Sciences, demonstrates how arratives play a role in shaping political views and foment negative intergroup attitudes.
Auto workers’ strike could impact future labor organizing
The persistently tight labor market, growing frustration over wage inequality and record high support for unions set the stage for the United Auto Workers strike, according to Jake Rosenfeld, a professor of sociology in Arts & Sciences.
‘Golden Bachelor’ could normalize quest for romance at any age
“The Golden Bachelor,” this fall on ABC, has the potential to help normalize the desire for love at any age, with a few caveats, said a Washington University expert on productive engagement of older adults.
Acing the college transition
In this highly polarized, post-lockdown world, the college transition can seem especially difficult. WashU happiness expert Tim Bono explains how students can set themselves up for success.
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