40 years after the birth of IVF, researchers push boundaries to preserve fertility in women, men and children [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](.
Edition: US
25 July 2018
[The Conversation](
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Editor's note
The first “test-tube baby” just turned 40. In the decades since in vitro fertilization was invented, millions have benefited. Marie Menke of the University of Pittsburgh explains how the science continues to evolve with researchers pioneering breakthrough procedures that can [preserve the fertility]( not only of adults – but even children undergoing cancer treatments.
The treatment of immigrant children at the border continues to stir public outrage, but it’s not always clear who should be held accountable. That’s because government contractors – not civil servants – run many of the detention centers where inhumane practices have been reported. University of Maryland Baltimore County public policy professor Susan Sterett explains how [the government contracting system makes oversight of these facilities difficult](.
If you’ve noticed an increase in the number of scam calls you’ve been getting lately, you’re not alone. While most of us simply ignore annoying calls and spam, others aren’t so lucky. Trillions of dollars are lost to scam artists each year – not to mention the toll fraud takes on victims’ physical and mental health. Neuropsychologist Stacey Wood researched why [some people take the bait](. Spoiler: It’s not just old folks.
Bijal Trivedi
Science and Technology Editor
Top stories
New procedures are enabling men and women to preserve their fertility until they are ready or able to have children. By kristiillustra/shutterstock.com
[40 years after the birth of IVF, researchers push boundaries to preserve fertility in women, men and children](
Marie Menke, University of Pittsburgh
For women and men not ready to have children, there are new ways to preserve fertility. And experimental techniques offer hope for sick children whose treatments jeopardize future childbearing.
Students and community activists at Northeastern University called on the school to nix an ICE contract. AP Photo/Sarah Betancourt
[Why it's hard to hold contractors accountable for the suffering of immigrant children](
Susan M. Sterett, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Even when federal contractors stir public outrage, the government probably should be under fire.
Is it a scam? Tero Vesalainen/shutterstock.com
[Why are there so many suckers? A neuropsychologist explains](
Stacey Wood, Scripps College
Scam emails and phone calls are on the rise as it becomes ever easier to orchestrate fraud from anywhere in the world. New research sheds light on what makes some of us more susceptible than others.
Economy + Business
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[Truck drivers are overtired, overworked and underpaid](
Michael Belzer, Wayne State University
Low pay pushes drivers to work extremely long hours, causing more crashes and more traffic deaths.
Environment + Energy
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[Spiraling wildfire fighting costs are largely beyond the Forest Service's control](
Cassandra Moseley, University of Oregon
A perfect storm of climate, forestry, development and fire management trends are driving up the costs of fighting wildfires.
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[Russians hacked into America's electric grid. Here's why securing it is hard.](
Theodore J. Kury, University of Florida
It's easier to see how customers benefit from increased grid security than it is to justify making them pay for it.
Politics + Society
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[A turbulent future may be in store for US-Turkish relations](
Doga Ulas Eralp, American University School of International Service
Turkey's close relationship with the US dates back to the Cold War. But after the June election there put nationalists into a position of power in the government, that alliance could turn rocky.
Education
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[New Mexico case should serve as wake-up call on school funding](
Derek W. Black, University of South Carolina
A state court has ruled that New Mexico is not doing enough to ensure its students receive an adequate education. Other states should be held accountable in the same way, an education scholar argues.
Ethics + Religion
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[What exactly is the point of the border?](
Michael Blake, University of Washington
Conflicts about policing the border have erupted in much of the world. How people respond depends on the many distinct visions of what borders are meant to be protecting.
Science + Technology
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[Scared of CRISPR? 40 years on, IVF shows how fears of new medical technology can fade](
Patricia Stapleton, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Americans have moved on from worrying about ‘test-tube babies’ – but there are still ethical challenges to resolve as reproductive technologies continue to advance.
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[Russians hacked into US electric utilities: 6 essential reads](
Jeff Inglis, The Conversation
Experts explain the task of securing the electrical grid against cyberattacks, and discuss potential solutions and the risk of failure.
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[Artificial intelligence outperforms the repetitive animal tests in identifying toxic chemicals](
Thomas Hartung, Johns Hopkins University
Testing new industrial chemicals is essential for public health and the environment. But animal testing is costly, and too many chemicals are left untested. A new AI tool may solve the problem.
Trending on site
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[How old is my pet in dog years or cat years? A veterinarian explains](
Jesse Grady, Mississippi State University
Based on his age in 'dog years,' could your animal pal legally buy alcohol? Or would he be cashing in on his senior discount? Veterinarians are more interested in life stage than a particular number.
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[Why the war on poverty in the US isn't over, in 4 charts](
Robert L. Fischer, Case Western Reserve University
A White House Council concluded that the war on poverty is "largely over." But, while poverty among seniors has declined, poverty among adults and children as changed little over the last 40 years.
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[What is behind belief in weeping Virgin Mary statues](
Mathew Schmalz, College of the Holy Cross
Throughout Catholic history, miracles have been attributed to Virgin Mary's power. She is understood to cry not only over the sins of the world, but over the pain she experienced in her earthly life.
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From the article: [Putin's interference in US elections undermines faith in American democracy](
[Pippa Norris] Pippa Norris
Harvard University
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