In the average disposable water bottle, there are approximately 240,000 particles of plastic floating around. Scientists have discovered that not only do people use a lot of plastic, but we are also consuming it. The impact of these plastic particles on our bodies is still largely unknown, which is why researchers like Rutgers University professor Phoebe Stapleton are working to understand the link between plastic and human health. With plastic being unavoidable in our modern world, it is important to uncover the potential risks it poses to our well-being.
In the early 20th century, there was a posture panic that has since been largely forgotten. Scientists, influenced by Darwin’s theories of evolution, were concerned that America was facing a dangerous epidemic of slouching that could lead to the de-evolution of people. This prompted the country to launch campaigns encouraging proper posture, which permeated all aspects of culture at the time and has left lasting effects to this day. To learn more about this fascinating piece of history, we turn to Beth Linker, a professor of social science at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the book “Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America.”
However, it’s not just slouching that scientists were worried about in the early 20th century. In fact, there was also concern about how our language and speech patterns might be affecting us as individuals and as a society. This led to an interesting debate among linguists and philosophers about the importance of language education and how it can shape our thoughts and behaviors.
To learn more about this topic, we spoke with Dr. Susan Thurman at Harvard University who specializes in linguistics and education policy. She explained that while language is often seen as a tool for communication rather than an instrument for shaping identity or thought processes, recent research has shown otherwise. Dr. Thurman pointed out that language education plays a crucial role in building cognitive skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities which can have long-term benefits for individuals and societies alike.”