Edition: US - Today's top story: It's not just O'Reilly and Weinstein: Sexual violence is a 'global pandemic' [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](.
Edition: US
25 October 2017
[[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair](
Editor's note
If there’s a silver lining to the sexual predation scandals involving Harvey Weinstein and Bill O'Reilly, it’s that allegations against these men have revealed the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in the United States. But of course the problem does not start and end here. Sexual violence affects one in three women worldwide, and many women’s first sexual encounter is non-consensual. Valerie Dobiesz and Julia Brooks of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative explain [why gender-based violence is, in essence, a global pandemic](.
On Tuesday, Congress approved a $36.5 billion disaster relief package. A portion of the aid will go to Puerto Rico, which remains mostly without electricity more than a month after Hurricane Maria hit. Unfortunately, research from previous disasters, including the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, shows that [just a few weeks without power]( can affect residents’ physical and mental health for months after the lights come on.
Oct. 31, 2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, when Martin Luther, an ordained priest and theologian, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Germany’s Wittenberg Castle Church. Sociologists Marion Goldman and Steve Pfaff explain [Luther’s extraordinary success](.
Catesby Holmes
Global Affairs Editor
Top stories
Women in crisis settings, such as refugee camps and war zones, are particularly likely to experience sexual assault. Unit Bektas/Reuters
[It's not just O'Reilly and Weinstein: Sexual violence is a 'global pandemic'](
Valerie Dobiesz, Harvard University; Julia Brooks, Harvard University
Hollywood's sexual predation scandals are just the tip of the iceberg. One in three women worldwide has been physically or sexually assaulted, and many girls' first sexual experience is forced.
Plush toys, recovered from a flooded home, hang out to dry on a wrought iron gate in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Ramon Espinosa/AP
[The mental health toll of Puerto Rico's prolonged power outages](
Shao Lin, University at Albany, State University of New York
Long after the hurricane's over and the power comes back, residents can still experience lasting mental health issues.
Luther’s 95 Theses. Ferdinand Pauwels, via Wikimedia Commons
[Martin Luther's spiritual practice was key to the success of the Reformation](
Marion Goldman, University of Oregon; Steve Pfaff, University of Washington
On the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, two scholars explain how Luther's personal and spiritual life contributed to his success.
Environment + Energy
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[For cattle farmers in the Brazilian Amazon, money can't buy happiness](
Rachael Garrett, Boston University; Joice Ferreira, Federal University of Pará
Brazil has been throwing money at Amazonian cattle farmers, hoping they'll adopt 'greener' crops like fruit or corn. A new study shows why loans won't fix the environmental issue presented by ranches.
Science + Technology
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[Cosmic alchemy: Colliding neutron stars show us how the universe creates gold](
Duncan Brown, Syracuse University; Edo Berger, Harvard University
Until the recent observation of merging neutron stars, how the heaviest elements come to be was a mystery. But their fingerprints are all over this cosmic collision.
Health + Medicine
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[Why aren't we curing the world's most curable diseases?](
Katherine J. Wu, Harvard University
A cure for many tropical diseases was discovered 30 years ago this month. The drug is donated by its manufacturer. Why are we still dealing with neglected tropical diseases?
Arts + Culture
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[The best way to deal with failure](
Selin Malkoc, The Ohio State University
According to new research, the way you respond could determine whether or not you'll repeat the same mistake in the future.
Politics + Society
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[Will anyone protect the Rohingya?](
Vincent A. Auger, Western Illinois University
Despite an international commitment to protect civilians from genocidal violence, the world's response to ethnic cleansing in Myanmar has been feeble. An expert explains the challenges.
Trending on site
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[Does regulating artificial intelligence save humanity or just stifle innovation?](
Jeremy Straub, North Dakota State University
Artificial intelligence has so much beneficial potential that fears about it shouldn't prompt new regulations. Existing rules already govern human and machine behavior.
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[Is local news on the cusp of a renaissance?](
Damian Radcliffe, University of Oregon
A new study explores the state of an industry that's tapping creative revenue streams and incorporating new tools to engage with readers.
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[So your teenager is vaping e-cigarettes – should you worry?](
Lynn T. Kozlowski, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
E-cigarettes and other vaping products are on track to out-sell cigarettes by the end of 2023. And more and more young people are trying e-cigarettes. So what do you need to know about them? Are they less…
Today’s quote
[Could deciding to focus on the negative emotions associated with failure lead to thoughts about self-improvement -- and, with time, actual improvement?](
[The best way to deal with failure](
Selin Malkoc
The Ohio State University
[Selin Malkoc]
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