Editor's note

The mystery of the strange and medically debilitating noises heard by U.S. diplomats and tourists in Cuba may have been solved. Electrical engineer Kevin Fu from the University of Michigan and his collaborator Wenyuan Xu from China’s Zhejiang University explain how the sounds could have been made by ultrasonic devices, perhaps even “bugs” planted to eavesdrop on conversations.

This week the Supreme Court heard a case that could have a devastating effect on labor unions by strangling their main source of funds. Colorado State management professor Raymond Hogler argues the significance of the debate is even deeper, however, touching on the battle between individual rights and collective action, with severe consequences for workers.

It’s March 1 – and that means March Madness is right around the corner. Engineering professor Larry Silverberg at North Carolina State reveals his formula for the mathematically perfect free throw.

Jeff Inglis

Science + Technology Editor

Top Stories

What happened to people inside this building, the U.S. Embassy in Havana? U.S. State Department

Can sound be used as a weapon? 4 questions answered

Kevin Fu, University of Michigan; Wenyuan Xu, Zhejiang University

Were foreign diplomats and tourists attacked with a 'sonic weapon' – or was it something else? Ultrasound researchers demonstrate a rational, evidence-based explanation.

A ruling in the Janus case could devastate unions. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Collective action is unions' last line of defense - and Supreme Court is on verge of destroying it

Raymond Hogler, Colorado State University

The Supreme Court could kill collective bargaining throughout the country, making workers worse off and exacerbating inequality.

Small differences account for a shooter’s consistency. Aspen Photo/shutterstock.com

The math behind the perfect free throw

Larry Silverberg, North Carolina State University

A basketball computer program simulates millions of trajectories in search of the ideal shot.

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Today’s quote

Teachers are the critical link to identify which students need help and to refer students to school psychologists, counselors and social workers. The question is: Do teachers know what to look for?

 

Schools shouldn't wait for red flags to address student mental health needs

Nathaniel von der Embse

University of South Florida

Nathaniel von der Embse