The Bias Brief

Lean

New York PostSep 20, 2026Sig. 7NewsScience Crime Other

DNA test on Thomas Jefferson’s hair provides ‘extraordinary proof’ he fathered kids with Sally Hemings — and also leads to chilling other breakthroughs

A Smithsonian-led DNA study using Thomas Jefferson’s hair reports strong evidence that he fathered children with Sally Hemings, while the same techniques later contributed to solving serial-killer cases. The article mixes historical confirmation, scientific method, and forensic breakthroughs, noting some controversy over the timing of the book and journal publication.

New York PostSep 20, 2026Sig. 4NewsHealth Science Technology

Skin patch worn while you sleep could help you better manage stress during the day

The article reports on a wearable skin patch developed by University of Texas at Austin researchers that boosts REM sleep and may help users manage daytime stress. It cites a small study published in Nature Communications and notes that larger trials are needed. The piece focuses on health and technology benefits without political or ideological framing.

Neutral

New York PostSep 20, 2026Sig. 4NewsScience Other

Magnitude 6.4 earthquake rattles Papua New Guinea

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Papua New Guinea near Kainantu at a depth of about 64 miles, according to USGS. The article provides seismic details, historical context, and the Pacific Ring of Fire setting, with no reported casualties or political implications.

Neutral

CBS NewsSep 20, 2026Sig. 8NewsHealth Politics Science

Cassidy: Trump needs to be "radically honest" on vaccines amid measles outbreak

Sen. Bill Cassidy urged President Trump to be "radically honest" about vaccines as the U.S. recorded its most measles cases in over 30 years, saying the MMR vaccine is safe and that Trump's evidence-free claims of lethality could discourage immunization. Cassidy also questioned Trump's demand to split childhood vaccines and said nominees should reject the claim that the measles vaccine is lethal.

Left 2.6

The HillSep 20, 2026Sig. 6NewsAI Technology Science

What is the AI singularity? Some experts say it’s closer than ever

The article explains the concept of the AI singularity, competing predictions about when it might occur, and what it could mean for humanity. It quotes figures like Ray Kurzweil and Sam Altman and notes both optimistic and doomsday scenarios.

Neutral

New York PostSep 20, 2026Sig. 4NewsHealth Science

A common virus could nearly quadruple your odds of suffering new back problems

A Canadian study of 8,809 adults found that repeat COVID-19 infections were associated with higher odds of receiving a new medical diagnosis, including nearly four times the odds of new back problems. The article relays the study's caveats and public-health advice for high-risk groups to stay up to date on vaccinations and discuss persistent symptoms with a doctor.

Neutral

New York PostSep 20, 2026Sig. 3NewsHealth Science

What happened to people’s brains when they ate 2 tablespoons of tomato paste every day

A small Spanish clinical trial found that eating about 35 grams of tomato paste daily for three months may improve selective attention and associative memory, with lycopene and BDNF implicated. The article notes the study is preliminary, cannot prove cause-and-effect, and needs larger, longer trials.

Neutral

Fox NewsSep 20, 2026Sig. 5NewsScience Culture

Puzzling sound in backyard leads homeowner to massive 1,000-year-old treasure

A homeowner in Denmark discovered the largest known Viking Age silver hoard during a patio renovation, according to museum officials. The anonymous finder described it as the biggest surprise of their life.

Neutral

The GuardianSep 20, 2026Sig. 5NewsHealth Science

Rabies concerns grow in the US – but it’s unclear if there’s an increase of the fatal disease

Recent rabid animal incidents in Maryland and North Carolina and a CDC advisory have raised public concern about rabies, but experts say it is unclear whether actual cases are increasing. The article highlights public health guidance, vaccination, and post-exposure treatment while noting that deaths remain rare in the US.

Left 1.4

Washington ExaminerSep 20, 2026Sig. 2OpinionCulture Media Science

‘UFOs and God’ movie: Why the year’s most unsettling film isn’t just about aliens

An op-ed reviews the documentary 'UFOs and God,' which interviews experiencers, scientists, and faith leaders about UFO/UAP reports. It examines the topic through scientific skepticism and Christian apologetics, ending with the author's personal affirmation of Jesus' resurrection.

Neutral

Daily MailSep 20, 2026Sig. 6NewsHealth Science

The £6 urine test that's as important as a cholesterol check to find out if you're at risk of a heart attack. Many GPs don't offer it - this is why you should ask for one

An ACR urine test costing £6 can detect early kidney damage and predict heart attack and stroke risk, but many GPs and the NHS do not routinely offer it. Experts argue wider use could save thousands of lives by catching at-risk patients earlier.

Neutral

Daily MailSep 20, 2026Sig. 1NewsScience

How to tell if someone is lying to you, according to a psychologist - and why avoiding your gaze does NOT mean they're bluffing

A psychologist explains that common cues such as avoiding eye contact or fidgeting are not reliable signs of lying. The article says the better approach is to watch for changes from a person's usual communication style, such as shifts in pace, detail, animation, or engagement.

Neutral