The food system is a major contributor to climate change and, without significant shifts in global diets, it is unlikely the world will achieve its targets under the Paris Agreement. Carbon Brief, September 16, 2020
Only when we begin to recognize the abuse of power that is rampant in decisions that affect the health and safety of our families and communities will we understand our necessary role in demanding scientific integrity in policy-making. Science Magazine, February 10, 2020
Plant based meats are growing in popularity with implications for agriculture, the food industry, food security and environmental sustainability around the world. The Conversation (Republished at Salon, The Chicago Tribune and Houston Chronicle), October 21, 2019
The United States is a nation of self-proclaimed “foodies” with very little understanding of how food gets to our plates or its impact on our bodies and the environment. Spectra. The Magazine of the National Communication Association, September 2019 | Volume 55, Number 3
Stoking panic and fear creates a false narrative that can overwhelm readers, leading to inaction and hopelessness. Scientific American, August 13, 2019
Cultured meat has environmental and ethical appeal, but its success depends on far more than technology and economic viability. And Americans won't be readily adopting it soon. The Conversation (Republished at The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune and LA Times), August 23, 2018
Wealthy consumers may have more access to information about food than lower-income earners, but they are just as vulnerable to misinformation and pseudoscience. The Conversation (Republished at PBS NewsHour, Salon, The Chicago Tribune and LA Times), April 13, 2018
Improved access to clean energy can empower women in the developing world. The United States must also foster a more thoughtful culture about how energy policy decisions disproportionately impact women. The Conversation (Reprinted in LA Times and The Chicago Tribune), November 6, 2017
More than one-third of Americans do not know that foods with no genetically modified ingredients contain genes, according to the new nationally representative Food Literacy and Engagement Poll we recently conducted at Michigan State University. The Conversation (Reprinted in The Chicago Tribune and Salon), August 24, 2017
How does today’s food knowledge stack up to that of the colonists? MSU's Our Table host Sheril Kirshenbaum explains. Futures Magazine, Spring/Summer 2017
Two timely new books grapple with the dangerous disconnect between expertise, policy-makers, and the public that threatens to undermine scientific progress and American democracy. Science Magazine, April 8, 2017 [Full Text]
Under the right circumstances, kids have the capacity to bring out our best selves, emotionally, chemically and biologically. The Washington Post, October 9, 2016 (Reprinted in The Chicago Tribune and The Sun Sentinel)
The eruption of Mount Tambora two hundred years ago left a surprising and persistent cultural impact, which has influenced our current reticence to deal with anthropogenic climate change.
Earth Magazine, March 9, 2016
As new anthropological research shows the different ways we express love, Kirshenbaum takes a romantic trip through history and around the world.
The Guardian, July 19, 2015 (Reprinted in The Daily Telegraph)
A big battle over the Keystone XL pipeline is under way in Washington, DC. But, it’s mostly fought on terms that don’t matter to the American people.
The Conversation, May 26, 2015
Science has barely begun to study kissing, despite its obvious evolutionary significance, but what we already know demonstrates that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eyes – and lips.
The Conversation, November 22, 2014 (Reprinted in The Washington Post, The Guardian, The National Post, iflscience.com, The Independent and The Daily Mail)
Scientists should be looking for new areas to apply their knowledge and training beyond the university career path — in the real world, where it also really matters.
The Boston Globe, October 10, 2014
If we hope to advance our economic and foreign policy goals through the current U.S. natural gas boom, it’s time to get the public up to speed on hydraulic fracturing.
Know, September 12, 2014
Kids are messy, exhausting and expensive. But when it comes to parenting, scientific evidence proves that the perks for our health and happiness far outweigh the pitfalls.
Spirit (Southwest Airlines Magazine), August 2014
The journal article reporting on findings from the neuroscience experiment conducted in Chapter 10 of Sheril's book, The Science of Kissing. (with co-authors Gregory Cogan, Jeffrey Walker and David Poeppel)
Neuroreport
Only through strong transatlantic relations will there be hope of finding diplomatic solutions to our most pressing international challenges.
German Marshall Fund/NATO Blog, July 18, 2014 - Honorable Mention
Science literacy isn't remembering a bunch of facts. It's an appreciation and understanding of the scientific process and the ability to think critically.
CNN, February 18, 2014
Public opinion on energy shapes future policy decisions, but attitudes are not always based on facts alone. Sheril explores recent trends on topics like climate change and renewables.
Global Energy Affairs, A publication of The United Nations, p. 9-10, October, 2013
Energy policies often cross party lines and we must open our eyes to when and where they do. More importantly, we must, at times, be willing to cross party lines along with them.
NPR, October 15, 2012
The World Has A Water Problem
Water may seem ubiquitous and abundant, but that's somewhat of an illusion.
The Austin-American Statesman, May 20, 2012
A Supersized Waste of Energy
At a time when nations around the world are becoming ever more desperate to secure remaining energy reserves, including Canada’s oilsands, it just doesn’t make any sense to be throwing so much of it away.
Ottawa Citizen, May 15, 2012
What leads people to acts of violence and genocide? What triggers empathy and altruism? The answer may be found in the great ape known as the bonobo.
NPR, May 7, 2012
The Giving Sea
Following the lead of Shel Silverstein, who wrote "The Giving Tree" in 1964, Sheril and Michael Webber share a similar story about The Giving Sea. Will the oceans give all before we realize what we've taken?
Earth Magazine, April 2012
If it's true that we cannot improve what we do not measure, then the fact that water R&D hasn't been carefully tracked for the past 50 years is a sign we're not taking it seriously.
Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2012
Sheril and Michael E. Webber on retooling energy education at universities so that students emerge with an understanding of the complex political, technical, and social issues involved.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 22, 2012
The Earth Doesn’t Need To Change, We Do
Although geoengineering seems to promise a climate quick fix, we shouldn’t be experimenting on our only home. At least, not yet.
Ottawa Citizen, December 16, 2011
The Kiss
We celebrate kisses in literature and art. On screen, it’s the moment we’re always waiting for, and the climax of every great love story. And in our own lives, it’s the ultimate way to express how we feel.
Design Mind Magazine, "The Stuff of Life" special TED issue, Fall 2011
Sheril and Michael E. Webber on why retooling the energy system will require a range of experts who understand new technologies and can translate them to the public, while considering the economic drivers necessary for their adoption.
Nature, October 6, 2011
There is no debate that rapidly increasing seawater acidity is the result of man-made carbon emissions.
Science Progress, September 14, 2011
By The Numbers: Is Basic Research Worth It?
As the nation grows increasingly worried about the economy, David Lowry and Sheril look at the real cost of basic research.
The Austin American Statesman, September 1, 2011
In the 21st century, old friends are virtually at our fingertips, and a seemingly harmless email sent to someone with the innocent intention of “catching up” can quickly go further.
Bloomberg View, July 14, 2011
As we become comfortable talking about sexual violence, there will be less associated shame and marginalization. That is what has to change and by lifting the silence, we move a bit closer to that end.
The National Post, June 24, 2011
More Than Just A Kiss
Amid the chaos of a riot may have been the perfect place for the most universal and humanizing practice we all share, writes Sheril Kirshenbaum.
The Ottawa Citizen, June 20, 2011
Making transgenic crops available in developing countries would save thousands of lives and be more cost-effective than providing vitamin supplements or fortifying foods.
Bloomberg View, June 16, 2011
Texas Must Stay True To Science
Sheril and Michael E. Webber on why we must arm children with the academic tools and curiosity to succeed in the global community.
The Austin-American Statesman, May 8, 2011
Book Excerpt: The Kiss
A Universal Language Understood Around the World.
The National Post, February 14, 2011
There's nothing like a great smooch to boost your mood instantly.
Martha Stewart Living, February 2011
When choosing a mate, you can't beat up-close chemistry
What could possibly be better, faster, or a more reliable than Internet dating? Science suggests it's an old-fashioned, traditional encounter.
The Austin American Statesman, January 2, 2011
In 2010, offshore wind development progressed in Massachusetts and Texas, two states with very different perspectives on energy. (with co-author Michael E. Webber)
Earth Magazine, December 2010
Sheril and Michael Webber on how a changing climate compounded by declining oil production will drive more people over the Mexican border.
The Boston Globe, November 26, 2010
The scandal of food waste is even worse when you consider how much energy is being thrown away, say Sheril Kirshenbaum and Michael E. Webber.
New Scientist, August 11, 2010
Chris and Sheril on how intelligent science reporting has been gutted--just when we need it most.
The Nation, August 17, 2009 Reprinted in The Best American Science Writing 2010
The so-called New Atheists are attacking the mantra of science and faith being compatible. Chris and Sheril question the value of confrontation.
The Los Angeles Times, August 11, 2009 (The Guardian, August 24, 2009)
Chris and Sheril on how scientists who blast religion are hurting their own cause.
Newsweek, July 14, 2009
How Scientific Illiteracy Cost Us 20 Years on Global Warming
Chris and Sheril on why the climate issue is the most powerful -- and also the most catastrophic -- example of how our society dysfunctionally managed matters of science.
BuzzFlash, July 13, 2009
Don't just blame poor education for our nation's scientific illiteracy -- but our politics and pop culture. (with co-author Chris Mooney)
Salon, July 13, 2009
Building the ScienceDebate2008 initiative, lessons from the election, and what's needed to create an environment where the public's understanding and appreciation of science policy will make scientists critical in the political process. (with co-author Shawn Lawrence Otto)
Issues In Science And Technology, Winter 2009
As natural as kissing seems, it also means swapping mucus, bacteria and who knows what else, so how and why would such a behaviour evolve?
New Scientist, Issue 2695. February, 14 2009
How To Rev Up Clean Tech (reporting with Chris Mooney)
Mother Jones, November/December 2008
Bush's Last Stand Against The Environment
Sounding the alarm as the Bush administration prepares last minute rulemakings to undermine the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and other environmental laws. (with co-author Chris Mooney)
Blue Ridge Press, October 10, 2008
To raise the profile of science in our national dialogue and in the minds of policy-makers and the public. (with co-authors Chris Mooney, Shawn Lawrence Otto, Matthew Chapman, Austin Dacey, Rush Holt, and Lawrence Krauss)
Science. Volume 320 no. 5873 p. 182 April 11, 2008
Soil nutrients can influence adult preference and adult beetles choose high-quality hosts that promote egg production. (with co-authors Steven Lower and Colin Orians)
Oecologia, 136:402-411
Chapter 7: Diver tourists: the aesthetic and economic value of fish protected areas p. 58-62 Full Report by Robert Steneck and Tim McClanahan
Report to the Bonaire Marine National Park, 2004