Curated by professional editors, The Conversation offers informed commentary and debate on the issues affecting our world.
How quantum sensing could reveal hidden faults in thousands of U.S. bridges
Of the more than 624,000 highway bridges in the U.S., an estimated 220,000 need repairs. Quantum sensors could help engineers better safeguard these vital pieces of infrastructure
Weight loss drugs don't work for everyone—here’s why
Some people who take GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide see little to no changes to their weight. The reason why may be genetics
New study shows how the brain weighs evidence to make decisions
When presented with two different types of decisions, the brain accumulates evidence in a similar way
Bypass the Strait of Hormuz with nuclear explosives? The U.S. studied that option in the 1960s
Newt Gingrich raised eyebrows with a social media post about using nuclear bombs to cut a new channel in the Strait of Hormuz. There’s history there
Can you survive inside a tornado? This scientist did by accident—he’s lucky to be alive
Atmospheric scientist Perry Samson was doing fieldwork when he was unexpectedly caught inside a tornado—making him one of the few such people who have lived to tell the tale
What is the ‘acid rain’ in the wake of U.S. bombings in Iran?
Iranian residents have reported headaches, difficulty breathing, and oil-contaminated rain settling on buildings and cars after the bombing of oil depots
Punch the monkey and his plushie re-create a famous psychological experiment
Punch, a monkey that went viral after he was abandoned by his mother in a Japanese zoo, is reminiscent of a foundational attachment theory experiment
Spaceflight literally moves your brain
Space's microgravity appears to shift the location of the brains of astronauts—without a clear effect on their health
Even snowmaking won’t save the future of the Winter Olympics
As Earth’s temperature rises, fewer places will be suitable for hosting the Winter Olympics
Why does time flow at all? Physicists struggle to find an answer
The puzzle of time remains one of the most persistent obstacles to a unified theory of physics
Why does orange juice taste bad after you brush your teeth?
There’s a scientific reason your OJ tastes funny after you brush your teeth
Hundreds of Iceberg Earthquakes Rattle Antarctica’s Doomsday Glacier
Capsizing icebergs are violently clashing with the crumbling end of the Doomsday Glacier
Why Active Rest Is Important During the Holidays
Sleep is often the first thing that many people associate with rest, but humans also require restorative downtime when awake
Can Weather Really Trigger a Migraine?
A neurologist explains why weather changes from heat waves to thunderstorms might bring on painful headaches
Doctors Discover a Woman With Her Own Unique Blood Type
Newly discovered “Gwada-negative” is the rarest of 48 known blood groups
The Geology of Texas’ ‘Flash Flood Alley’ Explained
A hydrologist explains why Texas Hill Country is known as Flash Flood Alley and how its geography and geology can lead to heavy downpours and sudden, destructive floods
Air-Conditioning Can Surprisingly Help the Power Grid during Extreme Heat
Switching on air-conditioning during extreme heat doesn’t have to make us feel guilty—it can actually boost power grid reliability and help bring more renewable energy online
The Very Real Health Implications of Medicaid Cuts for Older People
For people aged 65 and older, Medicaid can provide vital health care—and losing coverage makes people sicker
Larger, More Dangerous Hail Is Becoming More Common—Here’s Why
The largest hail tends to form in “supercell” thunderstorms and seems to be becoming more common as climate change continues
‘Agreeing to Disagree’ Is Hurting Your Relationships—Here’s What to Do Instead
Agreeing to disagree on too many topics can put a strain on relationships. Conversational tactics such as looping and reframing may help
What Happens to the Plastic in Your Recycling Bin?
Much of the U.S. uses single-stream recycling, where plastic, glass and paper go into one bin. Here’s what happens to that material and ways engineering is trying to improve the process
Three Ways Pope Francis Influenced Global Climate Action
The late Pope Francis supported global climate agreements, advocated for Indigenous people and inspired activism
How Dangerous Nuclear Waste Is Stored in the U.S.
The decades-long struggle to find a permanent place to dispose of nuclear waste in the U.S. will continue, probably for many years to come
Why Social Media Screen Time Is So Bad for Sleep
Scrolling on social media at bedtime is particularly disruptive to sleep. Here’s why