Why Congress should not take on data privacy

A brief message before you dive into today’s articles on the perils of Congress writing data privacy laws, the history of ... [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 17 May 2019 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair [Joel Abrams] A note from... Joel Abrams Manager, Media Outreach A brief message before you dive into today’s articles on the perils of Congress writing data privacy laws, the history of the idea of soulmates, and why political cartoonists should learn the art of the meme. I know you value the expertise and care that go into the writing of these stories. Each of our articles goes through three editors and numerous drafts – sometimes weeks of work – before it comes to you. We are a nonprofit and rely on loyal readers like you to make this quality journalism possible. Can we count on [your support](? During the final week of our May fundraising campaign, your donations will be doubled. A generous foundation, teaming up with my dedicated colleagues, has challenged our loyal readers to raise $12,000, and will match your donations up to that amount. [Donate now]( On behalf of the entire staff, thank you for your generosity! Top story Biometrics like retinal scans is a new frontier in the privacy wars. Reuters/Mike Blake [Congress is considering privacy legislation – be afraid]( Jeff Sovern, St. John's University States like California have been at the forefront of privacy innovation in recent decades. A possible federal law could bring their experimentation to a halt, harming consumers. Science + Technology - [Why is the Pentagon interested in UFOs?]( Iain Boyd, University of Michigan During a military mission, whether in peace or in war, the inability to identify an object within an area of operation represents a significant problem. - [‘The Big Bang Theory’ finale: Sheldon and Amy’s fictional physics parallels real science]( Adilson Motter, Northwestern University A physicist reflects on the show's made-up Nobel Prize-winning theory of 'super asymmetry' along with how the series showcased authentic science and role models for future STEM students. Politics + Society - [European elections: a beginner’s guide to the vote]( Tatiana Coutto, University of Warwick Who gets a vote and what are they voting for? Everything you need to know. - [Same-sex couples have been in American politics way longer than the Buttigiegs have been married]( Anya Jabour, The University of Montana Long before Chasten Buttigieg became a 'not-so-secret weapon' in his husband Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, another same-sex couple profoundly reshaped American politics. Arts + Culture - [Why letting the IRS decide the future of news is a bad idea]( Magda Konieczna, Temple University The health of American democracy could be at stake. - [Political cartoonists are out of touch – it’s time to make way for memes]( Jennifer Grygiel, Syracuse University With sharp political commentary just as likely to be found on Tumblr as in the pages of the Times, why aren’t the best internet memes being published in the nation's top periodicals? [if you believe in scientists telling the public about their new research, please support us]( Ethics + Religion - [What’s behind the belief in a soulmate?]( Bradley Onishi, Skidmore College Many of us go through life in the hope of finding the ideal soulmate -- our missing half. The reason may be deeply embedded in religious beliefs. Environment + Energy - [Hydropower dams can harm coastal areas far downstream]( Paula Ezcurra, University of California San Diego; Octavio Aburto, University of California San Diego Thousands of hydropower dams are under construction around the world. New research shows that by cutting off sediment flow, these dams can have big ecological effects on far-off bays and deltas. Health + Medicine - [Viruses to stop cholera infections – the viral enemy of deadly bacteria could be humanity’s friend]( Andrew Camilli, Tufts University; Minmin Yen, Tufts University Cholera kills fast, and outbreaks are common in war-torn regions and after natural disasters where clean water is scarce. A new strategy to prevent cholera infections is a 'cocktail' of live virus. - [The US could have ended up with a British-style health care system: Here is why it didn’t]( Simon F. Haeder, West Virginia University As candidates propose ways to provide health insurance for more people, it's important to know that some proposals could have unexpected consequences, including potential closure of public hospitals. Education - [The Brown v. Board of Education case didn’t start how you think it did]( Charise Cheney, University of Oregon While the Brown vs. Board of Education case is often celebrated for ordering school desegregation, history shows many black people in the city where the case began opposed integrated schools. From our International Editions - [Wandering Earth: rocket scientist explains how we could move our planet]( Matteo Ceriotti, University of Glasgow Even if we can prevent a global warming apocalypse, our planet won’t be safe forever – the sun will one day expand. So should we try to move the Earth to a wider orbit? - [Give bees a chance: We can’t afford to lose our wild native pollinators]( Sheila R. Colla, York University, Canada; Rachel Nalepa, York University, Canada Wild bees pollinate trees and shrubs that feed and shelter wildlife, provide flood control, prevent soil erosion and help regulate the climate. - [Ebola survivors can lose their eyesight. What we’re doing to prevent it]( Steven Yeh, Emory University; Jean-Claude Mwanza, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Jessica Shantha, Emory University Research has identified a range of health complications in Ebola survivors. These include eye complications and vision problems. Today’s quote ["Many studies have shown that when newspapers suffer, we all do."]( [Why letting the IRS decide the future of news is a bad idea]( Magda Konieczna Temple University [Magda Konieczna] Know people who may be interested in The Conversation's stories? [Click here to forward this newsletter to them]( and ask them to sign up at [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111