Kathleen Masterson

Dec 31, 2024 | laist.com | Kathleen Masterson |Andrea Muraskin

"Brain rot" is the Oxford word of the year for 2024, and it's pretty much what it sounds like: a perceived mental decline from consuming too much online media. If just reading that definition has you worried about your gray matter, never fear! Researchers are finding promising — and surprising — ways to boost our brain health and de-stress our minds. Here are nine stories on the topic that engaged our readers this year. 1.

Dec 31, 2024 | npr.org | Kathleen Masterson

"Brain rot" is the Oxford word of the year for 2024, and it's pretty much what it sounds like: a perceived mental decline from consuming too much online media. If just reading that definition has you worried about your gray matter, never fear! Researchers are finding promising — and surprising — ways to boost our brain health and de-stress our minds. Here are nine stories on the topic that engaged our readers this year. Yes, typing is usually much faster than writing by hand.

Oct 11, 2024 | npr.org | Diane Cole |Kathleen Masterson

From Hurricane Milton to world hunger: How to make your donations countResidents are reeling from devastating rain and flooding from Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton. Wars and conflict continue to bring suffering to Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and many other places. People around the world are eager to help. How do you ensure that your donations will do the most good? These are the guidelines suggested by experts in humanitarian aid.

May 31, 2024 | scientificamerican.com | Rachel Feltman |Barbara Moran |Kathleen Masterson |Madison Goldberg |Jeffery DelViscio

This story was co-published with WBUR in Boston and produced with assistance from the Pulitzer Center. Read WBUR’s coverage of efforts to improve Cape Cod’s water pollution, including the “pee-cycling” project in Falmouth. And check out a documentary short exploring these issues that was co-produced by WBUR and Scientific American.

May 24, 2024 | scientificamerican.com | Rachel Feltman |Barbara Moran |Kathleen Masterson |Madison Goldberg |Jeffery DelViscio

This story was co-published with WBUR in Boston and produced with assistance from the Pulitzer Center. Read WBUR’s coverage of efforts to improve Cape Cod’s water pollution, including a “pee-cycling” project being considered by one innovative town. And check out a documentary short exploring these issues that was co-produced by WBUR and Scientific American. [CLIP: Theme music]Rachel Feltman: Cape Cod’s ponds and bays have suffered from decades of pollution.