Ethics – PossibleThreat Articles

This vibrant moth fooled scientists for generations

September 23, 2025 0 Comments Biochemistry Research, Bioethics, Ethics, Genetics, Insects (including Butterflies), New Species

For more than a century, a dazzling pink-and-yellow moth was mistaken for a common European species, but DNA analysis revealed it as entirely new: Carcina ingridmariae. Found across the eastern Mediterranean, this hidden beauty had evaded recognition until advanced barcoding techniques exposed its genetic secrets. Entomologist Dr. Peter Huemer confirmed the discovery and, in a heartfelt gesture, named the moth after his wife on their 42nd anniversary, celebrating both science and love.

News Science

Scientists win Ig Nobel Prize for cracking the code to perfect cacio e pepe

September 22, 2025 0 Comments Educational Policy, Ethics, Popular Culture, Public Health, Religion, Scientific Conduct, Travel and Recreation, World Development

What started as a frustrating kitchen challenge turned into award-winning science: Fabrizio Olmeda and his colleagues scientifically decoded the secret of creamy cacio e pepe and earned the Ig Nobel Prize. Their research showed how starch can stabilize Pecorino into a smooth sauce, turning a culinary mystery into physics-driven perfection.

News Science

Women CEOs judged more harshly than men for corporate ethical failures

October 24, 2019 0 Comments Autism, Bioethics, Consumer Behavior, Consumerism, Ethics, Gender Difference, Racial Issues, Scientific Conduct

People are less likely to support an organization after an ethical failure if the business is led by a woman, according to a new study. However, organizations led by women endure less negative backlash for competence failures than those headed by men.

News Science

Targeting deeply held values crucial for inspiring pro-environmental behavior

October 16, 2019 0 Comments Behavior, Environmental Awareness, Environmental Issues, Environmental Policies, Environmental Policy, Ethics, Ocean Policy, Perception, Social Psychology

Given the alarming pace of climate change, it is increasingly important to understand what factors motivate people to take action – or not – on environmental issues. A recent study shows that deeply held values, which align closely with political leanings, can predict whether someone takes action to protect the environment.

News Science

Mounting brain organoid research reignites ethical debate

October 3, 2019 0 Comments Bioethics, Brain Injury, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Ethics, Intelligence, neuroscience, Scientific Conduct, World Development

As research involving the transplantation of human 'mini-brains' — known as brain organoids — into animals to study disease continues to expand, so do the ethical debates around the practice. A new article seeks to clarify the abilities of brain organoids and suggests an ethical framework that better defines and contextualizes these organoids and establishes thresholds for their use.

News Science

Barrier to rural opioid treatment: Driving distance to methadone clinics

October 1, 2019 0 Comments Diseases and Conditions, Ethics, Health Policy, Pharmacology, Political Science, Public Health, Today's Healthcare, Urbanization

People who live in rural counties in five states heavily affected by the opioid epidemic must drive longer distances to obtain methadone, a treatment for opioid addiction, compared to individuals from urban counties, say researchers. Their study suggests these long drive times in rural counties could be reduced by making methadone more accessible in primary care clinics.

News Science

Psychology of attraction to religious deities and super-heroes

September 30, 2019 0 Comments Behavior, Child Psychology, Ethics, Popular Culture, Psychology, Religion, Spirituality

A new psychological study has addressed centuries-old questions about how and why supernatural beings are worshipped.