Is belief in God a delusion? By Ryan McKay, Robert Ross As the pandemic raged in April, churchgoers in Ohio defied warnings not to congregate. But what do psychologists have to say about strong beliefs in a god?
Amazing images: The best science photos of the week By Brandon Specktor Here are the stories behind the most amazing images in the world of science this week. A recap of the coolest photos featured on Live Science.
College-age kids are drinking less alcohol — but smoking more marijuana By Ty Schepis Young adults aren’t drinking as much as they used to.
Why women make way less than men do in more religious places By Stephanie Pappas The more religious a country or state, the bigger the gap in earnings between men and women.
This week on Live Science forums: AMA on friendliness and evolution By Mohamed Mohammed It turns out that survival of the fittest may be an overrated concept.
Why did the Democratic and Republican parties switch platforms? By Natalie Wolchover The Republicans used to favor big government, while Democrats were committed to curbing federal power. How did the parties switch stances?
7 ways the election will shape the future of science, health and the environment By Andrea Thompson, Tanya Lewis, Lee Billings, Sophie Bushwick, Clara Moskowitz, Kate Wong Climate change, nuclear arms control, the pandemic and more will be determined by whoever wins the White House and Congress.
Why Americans are so enamored with election polls By W. Joseph Campbell While it is possible the polls will misfire, it’s exceedingly unlikely that such failure would cause the opinion research industry to implode or wither away.
13 disturbing Halloween horrors come to life By Laura Geggel Here is the science behind 13 Halloween horrors come to life.
What was the Black Panther Party? By Isobel Whitcomb The Black Panther Party was a revolutionary socialist organization that demanded equal rights for Black people and Black communities.
Can a cat parasite control your mind? By Benjamin Plackett This parasite may manipulate your brain to make you take more risks.
'Elinor Wonders Why' teaches kids to explore science by asking questions By Mindy Weisberger A curious bunny named Elinor explores Animal Town with her friends, in an endearing new PBS series that teaches kids how to find answers about science and nature.
Do STEM toys actually teach kids science and math? By Stephanie Pappas Toys advertised as teaching STEM aren't always proven, but these recommendations have science to back them up.
Will the 2020 election be a 'fraudulent mess'? The science says no. By Stephanie Pappas Mail-in voting does not seem to promote one political party over another, nor does it seem subject to rampant fraud, as President Trump has claimed.
Pandemic childcare is way more stressful for moms than dads By Stephanie Pappas Staying at home has mixed effects on gender equality.
The Live Science merch store is back with more science-y gear By Jeanna Bryner If you're a science geek like us, you'll love the new and improved Live Science merch store, where you can get all of your science-y gear, from t-shirts and mugs to tote bags and stickers.
What could drive humans to extinction? By Emma Bryce Pandemics, climate change, artificial intelligence: these are just some of the wide-ranging threats to humanity's survival. But they all have one factor in common...
Mathematician predicted violent upheaval in 2020 all the way back in 2012 By Stephanie Pappas In 2012, Peter Turchin made a bold prediction: The United States was on track for a chaotic, violent 2020.
