World News Archives

George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 isn't the only book that offers lessons about today’s political and social climate. Photo via iStock.

Books to read in the ‘alternative facts’ era

In the month since President Donald Trump took office, sales of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984 have catapulted the book to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list. But, according to our experts, it’s not the only book that offers lessons about today’s political and social climate. Here’s a list of book recommendations from Northeastern English professors.

by Molly Callahan February 23, 2017

Northeastern professors Patricia Illingworth and Wendy Parmet posit that healthcare is a human rights issue. Photo via iStock.

Professors: Providing healthcare for non-US citizens a ‘moral obligation’

Calling it a “moral obligation” and a “global public good,” Northeastern professors Patricia Illingworth and Wendy Parmet posit that healthcare is a human rights issue, and that extending coverage in the U.S. to non-citizens could actually alleviate both the cost and care burdens on everyone.

by Molly Callahan February 23, 2017

This past weekend, Northeastern and Harvard convened researchers and experts across disciplines to examine the fake news phenomenon and find solutions. Photos via iStock.

The fake news phenomenon: How it spreads, and how to fight it

This past weekend, Northeastern and Harvard convened researchers and experts across disciplines to examine the fake news phenomenon and what can be done to stem the pernicious flow of misinformation. “It’s time for us to step up to the plate and make the world a better place,” said Northeastern network scientist David Lazer, one of the conference’s co-organizers.

by Molly Callahan February 21, 2017

Brand identity, Trump boycotts, and social media backlash

Many retailers and CEOs are facing difficult decisions amid a politically charged environment and mounting pressure to drop Trump products. Here, two Northeastern business professors examine the impact of boycotts and social media backlash as well as how companies and top executives react to social influence.

by Greg St. Martin February 16, 2017

Tina Turner posed the question in 1984. This Valentine’s Day, we asked applied behavior analysis expert Laura Dudley for some answers. Photo via iStock.

What’s love got to do with it?

Tina Turner posed the question in 1984. This Valentine’s Day, we asked professor Laura Dudley, director of Northeastern’s Applied Behavior Analysis program, for some answers.

by Molly Callahan February 14, 2017

For many, the Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons will be less about the game and more about the ads. Perry Knotts/Associated Press

Do Super Bowl ads pay off?

The average cost of a 30-second Super Bowl ad reached $5 million this year, up from $2.4 million in 2007. With the big game just two days away, we asked professor Bruce Clark, an expert in marketing strategy and managerial decision-making, to weigh in on the pros and cons of shelling out beaucoup bucks for a half-minute spot during one of the year’s most-watched TV events.

by Jason Kornwitz February 3, 2017

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge you can see the Manhattan skyline from a particular view, where is possible to focus on the spoiled rusty iron structure

Challenges, opportunities ahead for repairing nation’s aging infrastructure

President Donald J. Trump has identified repairing the nation’s aging infrastructure as a national priority. Jerome Hajjar, professor and chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, says “infrastructure requires consistent, significant investment,” and that engineers are primed to develop cost-effective solutions to address this national priority.

by Greg St. Martin February 2, 2017

The United States Supreme Court building. Photo by iStock.

Trump’s Supreme Court selection and what it means for the court, nation

President Trump announced his nominee for the Supreme Court on Tuesday, selecting Neil Gorsuch, a judge on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Here, professor Dan Urman, who teaches a course on the modern Supreme Court, examines the selection, the coming confirmation process, and the short-term and long-term ways Gorsuch could affect the court.

by Jason Kornwitz February 1, 2017

La La Land is “positioned to dominate” at this year's Academy Awards. Photo via iStock.

This year’s Oscar nominations: surprises, snubs, and room to grow

More black actors were nominated than ever before, but Nathan Blake, associate professor of media and screen studies, notes that it’s “too early to say if this is a substantial shift or an anomaly.”

by Molly Callahan January 31, 2017

Constitutional law professors Jessica Silbey and Michael Meltsner consider the constitutionality of President Trump's immigration executive order. Photo via iStock.

Law professors examine the constitutionality of Trump's travel, refugee ban

Law professors Jessica Silbey and Michael Meltsner, both constitutional law experts, examined President Trump’s sweeping executive order banning travelers from certain majority-Muslim countries. Silbey called the order unconstitutional. Meltsner said that “incompetence is not the same as unconstitutionality,” but there is reason to think “the courts may strike (the order) down.”

by Molly Callahan January 31, 2017

World News