Epidemiology
What is Monkeypox, the Virus Infecting People in the U.S. and Europe?
A microbiologist explains what is known about this smallpox cousin
Stories by The Conversation US
Public Health
How Accurate Are Rapid COVID Tests?
Two testing experts explain the latest data on how well the assays perform
Natural Disasters
Why the 2022 Southwest Fire Season Is So Early and Intense
La Niña, climate change and an increasing human presence are all raising wildfire risks
Climate Change
What to Know about Antarctica’s Conger Ice Shelf Collapse
Though this particular collapse is not a major concern, events like it are becoming more common
Sports
The ‘Hot Hand’ Is a Real Basketball Phenomenon, but It Is Rare
A statistical analysis finds evidence for shooting streaks in real game situations
Mental Health
Ukrainians Face Lasting Psychological Wounds from Russian Invasion
A psychiatrist who specializes in PTSD and stress describes the trauma that war survivors and refugees commonly experience
Pollution
Military Action in Chernobyl Could Be Dangerous for People and the Environment
Vehicles can kick up radioactive dust, and fighting risks igniting a wildfire in the exclusion zone
Ecology
Russian Capture of Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Threatens Future Research
Long-standing studies on the effects of radiation exposure to ecosystems have been thrown into uncertainty
Epidemiology
What Is a Vaccinated Person’s Risk of Dying from COVID?
Vaccination definitely lowers the odds, but the exact answer is hard to find
Genetics
First Gene Therapy for Tay-Sachs Disease Successfully Given to Two Children
About one in 300 people in the general population carry the Tay-Sachs disease gene
Sports
The Olympics Have 100 Percent Fake Snow—Here’s the Science of How It Gets Made
Artificial snow can affect the performance of skiers and snowboarders
Sports
Olympic Ski Jumping: Falling or Flying in Style?
An interplay of gravity, lift and drag allows athletes to soar astonishingly far through the air
Quantum Physics
The High-Speed Physics of Olympic Sledding, Explained
There is more to the bobsled, luge and skeleton events than merely sliding down steep, icy slopes
Policy
Facial Recognition Plan from IRS Raises Big Concerns
Government agencies are tapping a facial recognition company to prove you’re you
Climate Change
New Maps Show U.S. Flood Damage Rising 26 Percent in Next 30 Years
Future flooding will disproportionately affect Black communities
Weather
What Is a Bomb Cyclone?
An atmospheric scientist explains
Defense
Russian Cyberattacks against the U.S. Could Focus on Disinformation
Direct system invasions are possible, but efforts to sow confusion and division are more likely
Natural Disasters
Why the Tonga Eruption Was So Violent and What to Expect Next
Research into earlier eruptions suggests this is the type of massive explosion the volcano sees about every 1,000 years
Public Health
Sounds of Mosquitoes’ Mating Rituals Could Help Fight Malaria
“Wing beats” can help identify targets for control programs
Psychology
How Targeted Advertising on Social Media Drives People to Extremes
People seeking to radicalize others are using ads to push conspiracy theories and extremist views
