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Vlad Chituc

Vlad Chituc writes about religion and the social sciences. He graduated with a B.S. in psychology from Yale University and currently works as a researcher at Duke University, exploring the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and sometimes economics. 

UNSETTLING

Why This Composite Face Is So Creepy

A viral image captures that creepy feeling we get when something is humanlike but not quite right.

Vlad Chituc

CLIMATE CHANGE

Save the Rainforests for 100 Bucks

A U.K.-based NGO can offset the average American carbon footprint for $100 or less.

Vlad Chituc

articles/2015/10/11/why-drunk-vegetarians-eat-meat/151009-chituc-vegetarians-tease_j2hz2t
MEATHEADS

Why Drunk Vegetarians Eat Meat

Would it shock you to learn that American vegetarians, on average, eat a serving of meat per day?

Vlad Chituc

articles/2015/08/08/want-to-change-anti-vaxxers-minds-show-them-the-horrors-of-disease/150808-chituc-vaccines-tease_jnvnjb
CH-CH-CHANGES


How to Cure Anti-Vaxxerism

Scientific facts won’t change anti-vaxxers’ minds. But illustrating the horrific effects of diseases like measles and mumps might, according to new research. 


Vlad Chituc

articles/2015/07/04/dating-friends-brings-benefits/150703-chituc-dating-friends-tease_x9t4jg
LAWS OF ATTRACTION

Dating Friends Brings Benefits

A study from the journal of Psychological Science found a bigger disparity in attractiveness among couples that were friends before dating. Why the friendzone may be a path to love.

Vlad Chituc

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articles/2015/06/14/game-of-thrones-spoilers-why-they-re-a-good-thing/150612-chituc-spiler-science-tease_rmiezr
DON’T TELL ME

The Science of Spoilers

Sunday’s Game of Thrones promises to break the Internet—inevitably leading to spoilers. A new study on why hearing things beforehand actually improves viewing.

Vlad Chituc

articles/2015/05/23/why-we-believe-fake-studies/150522-chituc-gay-canvasser-tease_wbeaxw
BLIND FAITH

Why We Fall for Fake Science

<p>The retraction of a <em>Science</em> paper claiming a 20-minute talk with a gay canvasser can change views on gay marriage may not quash the theory. The reason? We trust bogus science.</p>

Vlad Chituc

articles/2015/05/08/shady-science-in-spiritual-child-bestseller/150505-chituc-spiritual-tease_bitsu4
SOUL SEARCHING

Shady Science in ‘Spiritual Kids’ Hit

A new book purports to show how religion helps protects children from the dangers of adolescence. How its shaky interpretations of science obscure the message.

Vlad Chituc

NONRELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Atheism: The Next Civil Rights Movement?

One of the “most hated” groups in America, atheists face discrimination in everything from employment to child custody. A growing movement is fighting back—in the name of civil rights.

Vlad Chituc

Manthropology

Why Does America Hate Cuddly Bromances?

Physical intimacy in male friendships is virtually nonexistent these days—but it wasn’t always that way.

Vlad Chituc

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