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New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Society

Research and scientific enquiry can reveal much about human society, from ethics and religion to education and economics, while societal decisions about which areas of research to prioritise steer the direction of science. Follow the latest developments as we examine the interplay between science, politics, and policy.

Society

An unusual documentary follows a simulated attempted coup in the US

Watching US politicians and former generals as they react to a simulated attempted coup after a disputed US election in the documentary War Game is fascinating – but it leaves many questions unanswered, finds Bethan Ackerley

Culture

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WAR GAME STILL 4 Credit: Thorsten Thielow | Shown in photo: (L to R) Simulation note taker, Elizabeth Neumann, Lou Caldera, Wes Clark, Steve Bullock, Linda Singh, Gwen Camp, David Priess, Pete Strzok

Society

How shrinking populations could help to save our planet

Comment

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How shrinking populations could help to save our planet

Society

Should Ukraine capture a Russian nuclear power plant?

Analysis

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Society

Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear plant at risk, warn former workers

News

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Society

Uncovering recent hidden grave sites in Mexico with satellite data

News

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THE DECAMERON. (L to R) Tony Hale as Sirisco, Karan Gill as Panfilo, Lou Gala as Neifile, Douggie McMeekin as Tindaro, Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Misia, Zosia Mamet as Pampinea, Tanya Reynolds as Licisca, and Amar Chadha-Patel as Dioneo in Episode 103 of The Decameron. Cr. Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix ?? 2023

Society

The Decameron review: 14th-century romp is a veiled satire of today

Culture

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New Scientist recommends: Rutger Bregman's Humankind

Society

New Scientist recommends: Rutger Bregman's Humankind

Culture

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London UK - Jun 22 2024: People protest against the conservative government at the Restore Nature Now March for environmental protection. Organisations present included the RSPB, W; Shutterstock ID 2479235175; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Society

Voters everywhere back green policies. Politicians should take note

Comment

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Big crowd of people. People gathered together in one place. Top view from drone.

Society

Why humanity’s survival may depend on us becoming a tribe of billions

Features

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Race is a social construct, but racism can cause real biological harm

Society

Race is a social construct, but racism can cause real biological harm

Research exploring the effects of racism on the brain suggests there is reason to be concerned about potential long-term damage, finds Layal Liverpool

Comment

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Young african american woman and caucasian men sitting on benches in the London city and having fun discussion. Commuters on break.

Society

Dear David: How do I reconnect with old friends?

Regulars

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The man reinventing economics with chaos theory and complexity science

Society

The man reinventing economics with chaos theory and complexity science

Features

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How manners can be a weapon to divide and disempower

Society

How manners can be a weapon to divide and disempower

Comment

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2WHYG59 Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Society

The Taylor Swift 'psy op' conspiracy theory offers a troubling lesson

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