Editor's note

Tech companies like Facebook say they’ll use artificial intelligence systems to detect fake news and propaganda, but Anjana Susarla, a Michigan State information systems scholar, warns that AI is also part of the problem: It’s already generating fake videos and articles that are startlingly realistic.

The company 23andMe recently won approval to market a test that can help determine if a woman has a mutated gene that means she is at greater risk of developing breast cancer. While the company says the information will be empowering, legal scholar Katherine Drabiak of the University of South Florida says patients need to be educated about genetic testing and risk.

After the cancellation of two exhibitions of well-known artists over allegations of sexual harassment, experts are asking whether the value of art should be associated with the personal conduct of its creator. University of Michigan’s Irina Aristarkhova answers this complex question by revisiting the argument of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin in his famous 1830 play, “Mozart and Salieri.”

Jeff Inglis

Science + Technology Editor

Top Stories
Is that clickbait true? Crystal Eye Studio/Shutterstock.com

How artificial intelligence can detect – and create – fake news

Anjana Susarla, Michigan State University

By 2022, people in developed countries may see more fake news than accurate information. Artificial intelligence may be to blame – but could also help people sort out the truth from lies.
Genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations is now available. But it could lead to over treatment. Fotos593/Shutterstock.com

As genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutation expands, questions arise about treatment decisions

Katherine Drabiak, University of South Florida

A genetics testing company recently won approval from the FDA to market a test that can identify a breast cancer gene mutation. But what are women supposed to do with that information? There's risk involved.
Mosaics by artist Chuck Close on the walls of the new 86th Street subway station on the Second Avenue line in New York. AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File

#MeToo in the art world: Genius should not excuse sexual harassment

Irina Aristarkhova, University of Michigan

In his short play from 1830, 'Mozart and Salieri,' Russian poet Alexander Pushkin proposed that genius and evil are incompatible. Here's why this argument is worth revisiting in light of #MeToo.

Politics + Society

  • As Israel turns 70, many young American Jews turn away

    Dov Waxman, Northeastern University

    As Israel approaches the 70th anniversary of its establishment, many older American Jews will be celebrating. Many younger ones will wonder whether the Jewish state is something to celebrate at all.

Environment + Energy

  • Another problem with China's coal: Mercury in rice

    Noelle Eckley Selin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Sae Yun Kwon, Pohang University of Science and Technology

    Study finds that coal pollution in China is leading to people getting significant levels of mercury poisoning from rice.

Science + Technology

Economy + Business

Arts + Culture

Today’s quote

“An increasing number of individuals are now arriving at the U.S. southwest border because of crime, violence and insecurity in Central America.”
 

The face of Latin American migration is rapidly changing. US policy isn't keeping up
 

Jonathan Hiskey

Vanderbilt University

 Jonathan Hiskey