What’s the social cost of being uninsured?

[Click here to view this message in your web-browser]. Edition: US 25 January 2017 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair] Editor's note As politicians grapple with whether to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, are they considering how health insurance can affect social cohesion? New research reveals that if you are uninsured and live in a community of other uninsureds, you are more likely to be disconnected from other people and to trust your neighbors less. The reverse is true for those who live in communities of insured people. There is, [writes Tara McKay], an assistant professor of medicine, health and society at Vanderbilt University, “a social cost for communities that carry a larger burden of uninsured.” Now that Donald Trump is president, the Tweeter-in-chief has had to give up his beloved Android phone. But can its replacement [really be secure enough] to handle sensitive information? Cybersecurity scholar Anupam Joshi from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County explains. And in a busy first week for the Trump administration, we offer a collection of articles from our archive that explain what the new FCC head means for [net neutrality] and how Trump’s moves to undo global trade pacts reflect [the growing discontent with free trade and globalization]. Lynne Anderson Senior Editor, Health & Medicine Top story Applicants for insurance wait in Richmond, California in 2014. Eric Risberg/AP file photo. [Communities plagued by uninsurance also suffer from breakdowns in trust, social connection] Tara McKay, Vanderbilt University Being uninsured presents major problems, but there are issues that go beyond health care. Communities with large numbers of uninsured have a breakdown in trust. Here's why. Science + Technology - [Our psychological biases mean order matters when we judge items in sequence] Robin Kramer, Trent University Whether it's items in a shop, potential speed-dating matches or athletes competing one after another, the order in which they're presented affects our judgments. - [How to secure a smartphone for the tweeter-in-chief] Anupam Joshi, University of Maryland, Baltimore County The best way to protect a presidential device is to keep it off the internet altogether. If that's not going to happen, how else can such a sensitive gadget be kept safe? - [Understanding net neutrality: Seven essential reads] Jeff Inglis, The Conversation As the Trump administration takes shape, Ajit Pai will lead the FCC. How it regulates the internet – or doesn't – is coming into focus. Experts describe what's at stake, and why it matters. Politics + Society - [Why Trump's wall with Mexico is so popular, and why it won't work] David Cook Martín, Grinnell College The logic behind building a wall is centuries old. But can concrete solve the complex problems the U.S. is facing today? Economy + Business - [Trump, trade and the TPP: Seven essential reads] Bryan Keogh, The Conversation Trump formally pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and signaled his intention to begin renegotiating NAFTA. Here's some context. Education - [It's true, internet surfing during class is not so good for grades] Susan Ravizza, Michigan State University Laptops in class are distracting – even for the most motivated students. Environment + Energy - [Research shows how to grow more cassava, one of the world's key food crops] Stephen P. Long, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Amanda P. De Souza, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Lynnicia Massenburg, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Cassava is a key food source in tropical countries, but yields have been flat for decades. New genetic research is identifying many options for boosting production of this valuable staple crop. - [How GM crops can help us to feed a fast-growing world] Stuart Thompson, University of Westminster Many people are suspicious of GM crops, but new techniques could massively increase food production. Rest of the World - [The markers of everyday racism in Australia] Claire Smith, Flinders University; Jordan Ralph, Flinders University; Kellie Pollard, Flinders University How might an Aboriginal person in the Northern Territory experience racism? There are many material signs that can make a person feel excluded from society. - [African footballers face an allegiance problem: country versus club] Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu, University of Texas at Tyler The sheer number of top African footballers playing in foreign leagues is one of the most notable trends of the current Africa Cup of Nations tournament. It has an impact on the African game too. - [How to be an economist in 2017] Richard Whittle, Manchester Metropolitan University Ridiculed and ignored in 2016, what can the 'dismal science' offer us now? [The Conversation on Twitter] [The Conversation on Facebook] You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly]. We’ll miss you. 745 Atlantic Ave. 8th Floor Boston, MA 02111