It's time to talk about Covid-19 and surfaces again

PLUS: an iPhone 12 review, 5G signals, and the benefit of placebos. View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions  10.20.20   PROPOSITION 22 The Fate of Gig Workers Is in the Hands of California Voters BY AARIAN MARSHALL A ballot measure would create a new classification for people who have been contractors. Uber and Lyft threaten to leave the state if it fails.   PRODUCT REVIEW iPhone 12 Pro Review: Meet Apple's Awkward Middle Child BY JULIAN CHOKKATTU Apple's $1,000 phone is not quite the best iPhone. But it does offers some compelling upgrades.   ELECTION 2020 How Online Extremists Could Interfere With the Election BY EMMA GREY ELLIS Far-right factions say they're willing to take action to keep President Trump in the White House. The question is whether those actions are viable—or dangerous.   PUBLIC HEALTH It's Time to Talk About Covid-19 and Surfaces Again BY GREGORY BARBER In the early days, we furiously scrubbed, afraid we could get sick from the virus lingering on objects and surfaces. What do we know now?   SPONSORED CONTENT Why Do Bombas Socks Feel So Good? Because every pair is made with built-in arch support, a cushioned footbed, and other sock technology that keeps feet happy. Use WIRED for 20% off.   DON'T RUSH Is 5G Available for You? Here's How to Find Out BY ERIC RAVENSCRAFT Before you jump on that new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device, maybe make sure 5G is worthwhile or even offered where you live.   NEUROSCIENCE Can Placebos Work—Even When Patients Know They're Fake? BY CLAUDIA LOPEZ LLOREDA Researchers showed that a saline spray "treatment" reduced people's emotional distress, even though the study subjects knew the spray wouldn't do anything.   IDEAS Scientific Journals Are Denouncing Trump. That's Normal BY ALEX CSISZAR The notion that a split between science and politics must exist is largely a fiction—and one of relatively recent vintage.   MACHINE LOSING Companies Are Rushing to Use AI—but Few See a Payoff BY WILL KNIGHT A study finds that only 11 percent of firms that have deployed artificial intelligence are reaping a "sizable" return on their investments.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or Manage your newsletter subscriptions