Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

How the Ranga Dias Fraud Accusations Highlight a Wider Problem

What do the Ranga Dias fraud accusations say? Why are scientists under such immense pressure to publish their works? Ranga Dias, a scientist whose discoveries could have revolutionized the field of electrical engineering, is now suspected of manipulating the results of his studies. This incident highlights the problem with the scientific community’s “publish or perish” culture. Continue reading to learn about Dias’s case and the problem it highlights.

Biden’s Executive Order 14036 Targets Monopolies

What is Executive Order 14036? What are supporters and critics saying about the plan? What’s the likelihood that it will succeed? President Biden is challenging huge corporations’ control over markets with new directives to increase competition and oversight. The success of Biden’s plan may hinge on modernizing outdated antitrust laws through bipartisan legislation. But lack of cooperation between parties poses a challenge. Here’s an overview of the plan’s goals and what it would entail.

Is In-Person Shopping Replacing E-Commerce Again?

Is in-person shopping coming back full steam? Is e-commerce on the decline? E-commerce’s explosive pandemic growth appears to be moderating, with a growing number of shoppers returning to in-person shopping for items like clothes, food, and furniture. Some experts believe that e-commerce has peaked and is in decline, while others think it’s still going strong. Keep reading for two views on the future of e-commerce.

The Future of Coworking Spaces: Will the Fad Continue?

What’s behind the rise in coworking spaces? What benefits do the spaces offer, and how are they adapting to users’ needs and preferences? Demand for coworking spaces is exploding globally, with a projected near-doubling of spaces by 2024 to 42,000. As coworking grows, the market will likely stratify into budget-level, moderate, and luxury tiers that cater to different audiences. Here’s a look at some predictions for the future of coworking spaces.

Covid Is on the Rise Again—Precautions & What to Expect

Is Covid on the rise again? How bad was the summer wave? What precautions should you take for the colder seasons? Many Americans have become accustomed to treating Covid-19 as a thing of the past—but cases are rising again. Many people have stopped taking precautions, leaving them unprepared for the current wave. But experts say the current uptick in cases is unsurprising. We’ll explore what the Covid-19 wave means, whether it’s time to get a booster or start masking again, and how experts say people should handle this next phase of Covid-19.

Why the Cybersecurity Labor Shortage Is a Big Deal (+Solutions?)

Why is there such a huge cybersecurity labor shortage right now? What’s the government doing to try to fix it? The US government faces a dangerous shortage of qualified experts to safeguard vital systems and networks from attack. The federal government is working to solve the cybersecurity labor shortage, but it will struggle if it fails to address pay discrepancies between public and private sector cybersecurity jobs. Keep reading for insight into the cybersecurity talent shortage.

China Faces Deflation—Can It Weather the Storm?

What’s behind China’s growing economic woes? What impacts will China’s deflation have on other nations? What’s the outlook for China’s economy? China’s economy, once a global growth powerhouse, now faces significant challenges. Globally, China’s economic troubles could disrupt trade, influence commodity prices, and have ripple effects on the international financial system, presenting both challenges and opportunities for other nations. Keep reading for the two different views on China’s economic situation.

What Does the Labor Union Boom Mean for the Future?

Is there about to be a labor union boom? Will the current resurgence lose steam? Despite decades of declining membership, labor unions are staging a resurgence. Some experts say that unions are well-positioned to grow their influence, with broad public support and businesses suffering labor shortages. Others contend that unions face a bumpy road ahead with fewer members and strong resistance from companies. Here’s a look at the history of labor unions, and whether or not a union boom is on the horizon.

Yellow Corp.’s Bankruptcy—What Actually Happened

What’s behind Yellow Corp’s bankruptcy? What does the future hold for those left in its wake? In early August, Yellow Corporation filed for bankruptcy, putting 30,000 workers out of a job. Potential impacts of Yellow’s shuttering include loss of contractual protections for the company’s union workers, the strengthening or weakening of labor unions, and taxpayer financial losses. Continue reading for a background on Yellow Corp and the events leading to its bankruptcy.

The AMOC Could Collapse by 2025—Here’s What That Means

What would happen if the AMOC collapsed? How could rising temperatures possibly affect the ocean’s currents? Why do some doubt the studies? A recent scientific study suggests the Gulf Stream may slow or stop due to climate change, which would have dramatic effects on the world’s weather. However, some are skeptical that a collapse would happen in this century. Here’s a look at what the AMOC is, what’s causing the collapse, and what it would mean for every person on Earth.