ImmigrationWhite Americans Support Both Strict Immigration Policies and Dream Act Published 23 October 2020 White Americans support strict immigration policies while at the same time favor the DREAM Act that would grant legal status to some immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, a contradiction linked to racial resentment and the belief

Truth decayThink Tanks in the Era of Truth Decay By Michael D. Rich Published 23 October 2020 We are living through a moment of crisis that will define who we are as a nation; yet we can’t even agree on what’s real and what’s rumor. Our political discourse too often amounts to opinions about opinions,

PasswordsFinally: A Usable, Secure Password Policy Backed by Science Published 23 October 2020 After nearly a decade of studies, the passwords research group in Carnegie Mellon’s CyLab Security and Privacy Institute has developed a policy for creating passwords that maintains balance between security and usability—one backed by hard science. After nearly a decade of studies, the

InfrastructureMaking Critical Infrastructure Safer as Natural Disasters Increase Published 23 October 2020 According to the European Union, it costs around €20 billion to repair and maintain transport infrastructure as a direct result of natural hazards. The American Society of Civil Engineers believes neglecting to maintain transport infrastructure could have dire economic consequences, including a loss

Disaster managementCreating 3-D Maps of Complex Buildings for Disaster Management Published 23 October 2020 In case of an emergency, first responders like the fire brigade need up-to-date information. 2D maps are a common source of information but they can be difficult to read in an emergency situation. A researcher has created an algorithm that can

landslidesSimple Actions May Help People Survive Landslides Published 23 October 2020 An engineer who analyzed the aftermath of the March 2014 landslide in Oso, Washington, began to investigate the circumstances that can make landslides so deadly. The resulting study shows that certain human actions increase the chance of surviving a devastating event, and suggests simple

Election securityIntelligence Agencies Accuse Iran, Russia of Trying to Use Voter Registration Data to Sow Chaos Ahead of US Election By Jeff Seldin Published 22 October 2020 U.S. intelligence agencies are accusing Iran and Russia of trying to use voter registration data in “desperate attempts” to sow chaos and confusion ahead of the November 3

DisinformationRussian Propaganda Hits Its Mark Published 22 October 2020 Given the size and scope of the Russian propaganda campaign that targeted the U.S. electorate in 2016, it is critical to understand both the impact of that campaign and the mechanisms that can reduce the impact of future campaigns, says a new RAND report. Given the size

DeepfakesSeeing Is No Longer Believing: Manipulation of Online Images Published 22 October 2020 Image editing software is so ubiquitous and easy to use, and deadline-driven journalists lack the tools to tell the difference, especially when the images come through from social media. A peace sign from Martin Luther King, Jr, becomes a rude gesture; President Donald

Our picksThe Tree That Could Help Stop the Pandemic | “Machines Set Loose to Slaughter” | Overestimating Earthquake Dangers Published 21 October 2020 ·  The Tree That Could Help Stop the Pandemic ·  In Michigan Plot to Kidnap Governor, Informants Were Key ·  The All-American Mind of a Militia Member ·  U.S. Diplomats and Spies Battle Trump Administration