Build a conspiracy theory from scratch.
The best way to learn to spot a conspiracy theory is to make one yourself.
Pick a real news story. On the next step you'll choose who's behind it and why. Then walk through the four moves real conspiracists use, with a debunk on every step.
- Hunt anomalies — turn coincidence into evidence of a secret plot.
- Fabricate connections — draw lines between unrelated dots until they look meaningful.
- Dismiss counter-evidence — if a fact disagrees, make the fact part of the cover-up.
- Discredit the critics — dismiss people who point out flaws in your theory.
Pick the event.
Choose whichever real-feeling headline your imagination will run wildest with. Don't overthink it.
Global Views on American Cultural Influence
A YouGov survey carried out in nine countries across Europe, Australia and Singapore measured public views on American cultural influence. The study found that most people recognize U.S. impact in entertainment: 66% to 89% of respondents said American movies, television and music shape their local culture. Roughly half also reported significant American influence in news media, national political norms, everyday language and consumer brands, showing that perceptions extend beyond entertainment.
Fish sees with skin posthumously
Researchers report that reef-dwelling hogfish have light-sensitive cells embedded in their skin, allowing the animals to sense brightness and adjust their colour without relying solely on eyes. The study, published in Nature, shows this skin-based photoreception can continue to influence colour change even after death. Hogfish live in Atlantic reefs and can shift hues in milliseconds. Those rapid changes aid camouflage, social signalling and may help with temperature regulation and attracting mates.
Ultra-processed foods increase health risks
Two new studies presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting found links between consuming ultra-processed foods and higher risks of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Ultra-processed foods are widely available consumer items such as fizzy drinks, many breakfast cereals, packaged snacks and ready-made meals. One analysis reported that a 10 percent increase in daily ultra-processed food intake was associated with about a 6 percent rise in risk of cardiovascular disease.
Baby Al Capone" orchestrated crypto heist
Ellis Pinsky, who grew up in Irvington, New York, has been linked to a large cryptocurrency theft that investigators say happened when he was 15. Authorities allege he orchestrated the theft of about $23.8 million in digital assets. By May 2020, masked intruders were reportedly trying to access some of the stolen funds, but Pinsky apparently no longer had the money. The case attracted attention because of the amount and the age of the alleged organizer.