Welcome to this week’s edition of Iserotope Extras. I’m waiting a bit to include articles about the election; good writing takes time. This issue focuses on funeral rituals, academic interventions, library policies, and government’s role in science. Please enjoy!
Welcome to this week’s edition of Iserotope Extras. I’m waiting a bit to include articles about the election; good writing takes time. This issue focuses on funeral rituals, academic interventions, library policies, and government’s role in science. Please enjoy!
When Death Doesn’t Mean Goodbye
In general, Americans fear death, choosing to say goodbye quickly, moving directly to the funeral. In Indonesia, on the other hand, the Torajan people honor their dead relatives by keeping them in the house as part of the family. To them, death is a part of life, and the deceased represent a connection between the past and the future. Trigger warning: This article includes photographs of dead people.
Nudges That Help Struggling Students Succeed
Being a teacher is hard work. Wouldn’t it be great if you could wave a magic wand and help all of your students? UC Berkeley professor David L. Kirp seems to think it’s possible — with small interventions that help students combat stereotype threat and encourage them to re-imagine their future prospects.
San Francisco Public Library owed $4.5 million in overdue fines; amnesty period proposed
Back in March, Extras included an article that criticized San Jose Public Library’s policy to punish patrons with outstanding library fees. Now it seems like the San Francisco Public Library is facing a similar challenge. What’s the best way to collect overdue fees and missing library items without turning patrons away from the library? (Answer: Give everyone Kindles?)
Dr. Orange: The Secret Nemesis of Sick Vets
For decades, the military and the Veterans Administration have repeatedly turned to one man to guide decisions on whether Agent Orange harmed vets in Vietnam and elsewhere. His reliable answer: No. This great ProPublica article raises questions about what possibly happens to the truth when government and science interact.
Thank you very much for reading today’s issue. Also, please welcome new subscribers Sage and Matt! I really appreciate every single subscriber. Have a wonderful week, and see you next Thursday at 9:10 am.
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