Michael Sandel engaged in a conversation with Chrystia Freeland. Sandel, a professor known for his work on justice, accepted the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy & Culture, highlighting the importance of philosophy in addressing significant questions. In his 1996 book “Democracy’s Discontent,” Sandel foresaw how globalization might reinforce divisions and prompt a politics focused on reclaiming…
Jayne Anne Phillips, in her memoir “Small Town Girls: A Writer’s Memoir,” reflects on her childhood days spent at a beauty shop in her rural West Virginia hometown. The memoir, published by Alfred A. Knopf, captures her experiences and observations from an era when beauty shops were exclusively female spaces, devoid of male presence except…
Some older adults, dubbed “super-agers,” maintain mental acuity akin to individuals several decades younger, offering potential insights into improved aging for everyone, researchers suggest. “Super-agers are a biological contradiction,” said Alexandra Touroutoglou, a Harvard Medical School associate professor. These individuals, over the age of 65, exhibit brains with youthful traits, said Touroutoglou, who is also…
Cells are surrounded by a lipid membrane that provides both structure and a barrier between the cell and its surroundings. Recent evidence indicates these membranes also impact the behavior of protein receptors within them. An MIT study further supports this, revealing that altering the membrane’s composition can change the function of a receptor that encourages…
Research from MIT indicates that a carcinogen present in certain medications and polluted drinking water may pose a greater threat to children than adults. The study on mice revealed that young mice exposed to this compound, NDMA, in drinking water exhibited significantly higher DNA damage and cancer rates compared to adults. This might clarify the…
The 1987 Montreal Protocol, widely regarded as the most successful international environmental accord, has been effective in phasing out chemicals that harm the ozone layer and lead to health issues like skin cancer. Studies led by MIT indicate that this reduction in harmful substances is aiding the recovery of the stratospheric ozone, potentially returning to…
Noah Feldman, Arthur Kingsley Porter University Professor at Harvard Law School, contends that both universities and psychedelic experiences can facilitate the quest for truth. Speaking at the Psychedelic Intersections Conference at Harvard Divinity School, Feldman suggested that the fields of law, religion, and the humanities could benefit from studying psychedelics, though he did not advocate…
Mitt Romney, a former U.S. senator and Republican presidential candidate, emphasized the need for a unifying leader, a fully functioning government, and loyal allies. In a campus discussion on Monday with historian Jill Lepore, Romney shared his views on the political division in the U.S., foreign policy shifts, and necessary changes for improvement. Romney attributed…
Three U.S. mayors convened at Harvard on Tuesday to discuss their efforts to tackle homelessness in their cities. According to recent data, approximately 770,000 individuals are homeless in the United States, marking an 18 percent increase since the last count. Of these, about one-third are unsheltered, while the rest reside in shelters, temporary housing, or…
A recent study by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine highlights the significant challenges faced by rural Americans in accessing dental care, particularly specialized services. Millions reside in areas with limited dental services, known as “dental deserts,” with transportation and specialty care posing the biggest obstacles. For those living in rural regions like Wyoming and…
