"Because large language models can generate responses that emulate human answers, polling companies see an opportunity to use A.I. agents to simulate survey responses at a small fraction of the cost and time required for traditional polling." www.nytimes.com/2026/04/06/o...

"The second Trump administration is taking its hostility to climate science to new levels...recently released government documents show how the administration is seeking to replace scientific facts with propaganda and disinformation," writes UCS's Rachel Cleetus.

An analysis of published papers on eight widely studied “model” organisms suggests work on them is fading, but not everyone is worried. https://scim.ag/3PaOvIs

This video is from 2023, but our concerns about Section 702 remain the same. The government must stop conducting warrantless surveillance on Americans. Learn more about Section 702, which is up for reauthorization this month: www.eff.org/deeplinks/2....

INVESTIGATION: How Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Vaccine Agenda Risks a Resurgence of Deadly Childhood Plagues. @propublica.org's @sheinvestigates.bsky.social shows how long-forgotten plagues have roared back when access to vaccines or trust in them faltered. www.propublica.org/article/rfk-...

The EU may soon ban nudify apps after Grok emerged as a prime example of the dangers of an AI platform failing to block outputs that sexualized images of real people, including children.

The AMS, et al., has released a statement in response to the decision by the Federal Judiciary Center to remove the climate science chapter from the Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence and a letter from 21 state AGs urging the National Academies to omit similar guidance regarding climate change.

“Instead of producing what looks like a generic critique from a nameless LLM,” Wired reported last week, Expert Review “lists a number of real academics and authors available to weigh in on your text. To be clear: Those people have nothing to do with this process.” www.niemanlab.org/2026/03/a-lo...

Remove "coders" and insert your name/job here

Making progress on this piece, won’t be much longer now. This drawing is about the awesome power of polynomials at approximating things, can you spot it?

If anyone still has some book shopping to do for the science lover in their life (all ages), may I recommend our gift guide? www.americanscientist.org/blog/science...

Check out our latest podcast. It's on a topic I would share with any parent--or just someone trying to figure their life out. open.spotify.com/episode/48cG... podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t... www.iheart.com/podcast/269-...

The country’s largest pharmacy chain said it needed a C.D.C. panel to recommend the shots before it could offer them nationwide.

Proud to receive the Grand Award (see, Dr. Kennish? All of my editorial nagging paid off!) but even prouder to be part of American Scientist's small but dedicated team of superheroes. You all astound me every day.

Wide-ranging, curiosity-driven research has led to enormous theoretical and practical benefits over the decades, ranging from anti-obesity drugs to the internet.

In a nutshell.

How are you going to call the national security advisor "Trump aide"?

Proud to announce that @americanscientist.org has won a Neal Award for an article that I edited: "Gliflozins for Diabetes," by Philip A. Rea. Even prouder of this talented and dedicated team that helps scientists explain their research to the public. www.americanscientist.org/article/glif...

EXCLUSIVE: University of Washington's IACUC has lost a three-year legal battle to keep its membership confidential. The university must now hand over its records to PETA, sparking fears that other universities could soon be forced to do the same. My latest for @science.org!

NEW: A DOGE recruiter told a Palantir alumni Slack group that AI agents could do the work of tens of thousands of government employees. He was met with 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡 and custom emojis of a man licking a boot.

Among the impacts: The cuts will halt a first-of-its-kind study of the causes of thousands of firefighters’ cancer cases. propub.li/3GeQOWv

Breaking news: Harvard sues Trump administration in escalating confrontation, claiming $2.2 billion funding freeze violates Constitution.

As a former NPR reporter and ongoing stan of voice acting, every time I see this one Consumer Cellular ad, I think, "There's someone who does voice work for a living." Turns out I was right: This profile asks the ubiquitous Kristen DiMercurio for her thoughts on AI and the future of voice acting.

“It makes me think that if you really want to come and visit to do science, be on the safe side — bring a burner phone and empty laptop so this doesn’t happen to you.”

Fun!

As the U.S. measles outbreak surges, here's an illuminating look at changes in state childhood MMR vaccination rates over time. Ripley Cleghorn reports and crafts a striking series of graphics for @sciam.bsky.social 📈 www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...

In a world of Matts, be a Derek.

As far as I can tell from this presser, Intuitive Machines' Athena lander is lying on its side on the Moon, whimpering and clinging to what energy it can muster. Relatable.

🚨🧪 We’ve been talking to scientists at rallies today across the country in DC, Boston, Seattle, and NJ. Here’s why scientists are “Dismayed, depressed, disgusted” and what they’re doing about it 🧵 ⤵️ for more #StandUpforScience #StandUpforScience2025 @nature.com

So long, Solar System. arstechnica.com/space/2025/0...