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Future Perfect Archive

Archives for October 2018

Future Perfect
Self-lubricating condoms, explainedSelf-lubricating condoms, explained
Future Perfect

Sex with these condoms felt better, researchers found in a new study. That could be a huge global health win.

By Abigail Higgins
Explainers
Trump may soon kill a US-Russia arms control deal. It might be a good idea.Trump may soon kill a US-Russia arms control deal. It might be a good idea.
Explainers

The INF Treaty controversy, explained.

By Alex Ward
Future Perfect
Scientists have estimated the cost of stopping 11 diseases that could kill millions in a pandemicScientists have estimated the cost of stopping 11 diseases that could kill millions in a pandemic
Future Perfect

Creating new vaccines will cost billions, but it may be worth it to avoid the next Spanish flu.

By Abigail Higgins
The case against colonizing space to save humanity
Future Perfect

Here’s what experts in managing risks to human civilization think we should be doing instead.

By Kelsey Piper
Can technocracy be saved? An interview with Cass Sunstein.
Future Perfect

Obama’s regulation czar makes the case that “the issues that most divide us are fundamentally about facts rather than values.”

By Dylan Matthews
Science
Abortions by mail are available now in the US. Here’s what you need to know.Abortions by mail are available now in the US. Here’s what you need to know.
Science

The medication used in self-managed abortions is safe for most women less than 10 weeks pregnant.

By Julia Belluz
Future Perfect
Edible cotton now exists — and it could have a big effect on world hungerEdible cotton now exists — and it could have a big effect on world hunger
Future Perfect

Apparently, it tastes like hummus.

By Rachel Sugar
Future Perfect
Cage-free, free range, organic: what all those egg labels really meanCage-free, free range, organic: what all those egg labels really mean
Future Perfect

The stuff that sounds nice isn’t always better.

By Dylan Matthews
Future Perfect
Kamala Harris’s new basic income-style bill is so frustratingly close to being greatKamala Harris’s new basic income-style bill is so frustratingly close to being great
Future Perfect

Harris almost endorses a real basic income, then doesn’t.

By Dylan Matthews
Future Perfect
10 ways the world is most likely to end, explained by scientists10 ways the world is most likely to end, explained by scientists
Future Perfect

An asteroid got the dinosaurs. Here’s what’s most likely to kill us.

By Abigail Higgins
Future Perfect
Bednets are one of our best tools against malariaBednets are one of our best tools against malaria
Future Perfect

And, no, they aren’t the cause of overfishing in Africa.

By Kelsey Piper
Future Perfect
Cosmologist Martin Rees gives humanity a 50-50 chance of surviving the 21st centuryCosmologist Martin Rees gives humanity a 50-50 chance of surviving the 21st century
Future Perfect

But he’s still an optimist.

By Sean Illing
Climate
Exxon is lobbying for a carbon tax. There is, obviously, a catch.Exxon is lobbying for a carbon tax. There is, obviously, a catch.
Climate

The oil giant wants immunity from lawsuits that would make it pay for the damages of climate change.

By Umair Irfan
23 charts and maps that show the world is getting much, much better
Future Perfect

These are bleak times — but a lot of things are improving.

By Dylan Matthews
Future Perfect
How to make prisons more humaneHow to make prisons more humane
Podcast
Future Perfect

A North Dakota prison official tries to take a page from Norway.

By Dylan Matthews and Byrd Pinkerton