


Can people be persuaded not to believe disinformation?
AI chatbots and critical thinking courses might help
Anyone following American politics in recent months will have been treated to their fair share of bogus claims. USAID, the country’s main development agency, sent $50m worth of condoms to the Gaza Strip; that tens of millions of deceased centenarians are continuing to receive social-security payments; or that disaster-relief funding was spent on housing migrants in luxury hotels in New York City. That so many believe them nonetheless highlights how an age of social media and political polarisation has blurred the lines between truth and conspiracy theory. Debunkology, or how to unpick beliefs once they take root in people’s brains, is struggling to catch up.
Explore more

Do viruses trigger Alzheimer’s?
A growing group of scientists think so, and are asking whether antivirals could treat the disease

What is the best way to keep your teeth healthy?
Tooth-brushing reigns supreme. But fluoride in tap water is a good safety net

Ukraine’s embrace of drone warfare has paid off
Two new reports highlight strengths as well as weaknesses
The race is on to build the world’s most complex machine
But toppling ASML will not be easy
Want even tinier chips? Use a particle accelerator
High-speed electrons can etch nano-scale designs
Is butter bad for you?
A new study suggests olive oil may be a healthier alternative