Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now
Julia Belluz

Julia Belluz

Freelance contributor

    Latest articles by Julia Belluz

    Science
    DNA scientist James Watson has a remarkably long history of sexist, racist public commentsDNA scientist James Watson has a remarkably long history of sexist, racist public comments
    Science

    “People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty,” he said in 2003. “I think it would be great.”

    By Julia Belluz
    Explainers
    Fasting diets are going mainstream — ahead of the science. Here’s why.Fasting diets are going mainstream — ahead of the science. Here’s why.
    Explainers

    Some people lose weight fasting but many others can’t stick to it.

    By Julia Belluz
    Politics
    Some food inspections were postponed during the shutdown. It’s not an emergency — yet.Some food inspections were postponed during the shutdown. It’s not an emergency — yet.
    Politics

    So far, less than half a percent of annual food inspections have been interrupted.

    By Julia Belluz
    Politics
    We’re making real progress against cancer. But you may not know it if you’re poor.We’re making real progress against cancer. But you may not know it if you’re poor.
    Politics

    The disease is increasingly a microcosm of inequality.

    By Julia Belluz
    Science
    The case against luxury gyms like SoulCycleThe case against luxury gyms like SoulCycle
    Science

    The rich are getting fitter while the poor are falling behind.

    By Julia Belluz and Javier Zarracina
    The mind, explained
    The growth of yoga and meditation in the US since 2012 is remarkableThe growth of yoga and meditation in the US since 2012 is remarkable
    The mind, explained

    The number of Americans who meditate has tripled. Yoga is up 55 percent.

    By Eliza Barclay and Julia Belluz
    Video
    The science is in: exercise won’t help you lose much weightThe science is in: exercise won’t help you lose much weight
    Play
    Video
    By Julia Belluz and Christophe Haubursin
    Video
    Products that promise “detox” are a sham. Yes, all of them.Products that promise “detox” are a sham. Yes, all of them.
    Play
    Video

    Though they have a long history of duping us.

    By Julia Belluz and Christophe Haubursin
    10 science stories in 2018 that made us go, “Whoa, that’s awesome”
    Science

    Fat bears, a new kilogram, and the stunning power of trees: our favorite science stories from 2018.

    By Brian Resnick, Umair Irfan and 2 more
    7 bad science and health ideas that should die with 2018
    Science

    Immigrants aren’t a disease risk. Neanderthals weren’t necessarily savages. Juul isn’t cool.

    By Umair Irfan, Julia Belluz and 1 more