Could a tattoo be healthy?

+ ‘Abbey Road’ at 50 [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 2 October 2019 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair [Maggie Villiger] A note from... Maggie Villiger Senior Science + Technology Editor Many tiny needle wounds, a long and painful process – getting a big, permanent tattoo is not for the faint of heart. So why go through with it? Christopher Lynn is an anthropologist who thinks about this question, whether he is surveying student athletes about their body art or receiving his own hand-tapped tattoo in American Samoa. While learning about the oldest tattoo culture in the Pacific Islands, Lynn investigated the connection between [getting a tattoo and getting an immune system boost](. Also today: - [Harvard wins admissions battle]( - [‘Abbey Road’ at 50]( - [Taking tainted money, in 1905]( Top story A schoolteacher in the midst of receiving a full pe'a, the traditional Samoan tattoo generally worn by males. Christopher Lynn [Untangling tattoos’ influence on immune response]( Christopher D. Lynn, University of Alabama An anthropologist works in American Samoa, taking advantage of the island's longstanding tattoo culture to tease out the effects tattoos have on the body's immune function. Arts + Culture - [The Beatles’ revolutionary use of recording technology in ‘Abbey Road’]( William D. Moylan, University of Massachusetts Lowell As the album celebrates its 50th anniversary, an expert in sound recording details how the band deployed stereo and synthesizers to put a unique artistic stamp on this iconic album. [Donate today to help us democratize knowledge]( Education - [Harvard can use race as an admissions factor, at least for now]( Vinay Harpalani, University of New Mexico Tuesday's ruling in the Harvard affirmative action case allows colleges to use race in their admission decisions. A legal scholar offers insights into how long before race won't be needed. - [Cultural studies key to national security]( Nicholas Tampio, Fordham University National security isn't just about warding off physical attacks. It's also about understanding cultural forces that drive a society to think, feel and act in certain ways, a political scientist says. Ethics + Religion - [How a 1905 debate about ‘tainted’ Rockefeller money is a reminder of ethical dilemmas today]( David Mislin, Temple University Institutions that benefited from donations from benefactors such as Epstein are facing hard questions. In a somewhat similar ethical debate in 1905, a pastor argued for return of a Rockefeller gift. Environment + Energy - [South America’s second-largest forest is also burning – and ‘environmentally friendly’ charcoal is subsidizing its destruction]( Joel E. Correia, University of Florida The cleared land of Paraguay's Chaco forest produces everyday products like charcoal and leather that are sold abroad to consumers who may never know the unsavory origins of their purchases. Politics + Society - [Misinformation, evasion and the informational problem of live TV interviews]( Michael J. Socolow, University of Maine Why do TV news shows book interviews with people who lie or obfuscate? Dogged interviewer Mike Wallace was an example of how to do it right. But on live TV, it's almost impossible to do what he did. Most read on site - [Math skills aren’t enough to get through hard decisions – you need confidence, too]( Ellen Peters, University of Oregon; Brittany Shoots-Reinhard, The Ohio State University How mathematically proficient are you? And do you have the skills to back up your level of math confidence? The answers to those questions may have ramifications for your financial and physical health. - [Founders: Removal from office is not the only purpose of impeachment]( Clark D. Cunningham, Georgia State University The Founders saw as a regular part of ensuring presidential accountability. A constitutional scholar offers a possible process for a rapid and smooth impeachment inquiry. - [Why the flu shot cannot give you the flu (and why you should get one now)]( Libby Richards, Purdue University A common myth cited as a reason for not getting the flu shot is that the shot will give you the flu. That is scientifically impossible. Here's why. Today’s chart - [Enable images to see the chart]( From the article: [Rural hospital closings reach crisis stage, leaving millions without nearby health care]( [Jane Bolin] Jane Bolin Texas A&M University [Bree Watzak] Bree Watzak Texas A&M University [Nancy Dickey] Nancy Dickey Texas A&M University Know people who may be interested in The Conversation's stories? [Click here to forward this newsletter to them]( and ask them to sign up at [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111