Public HealthMay 18, 2022
How Accurate Are Rapid COVID Tests?
Two testing experts explain the latest data on how well the assays perform
Stories by The Conversation US
Curated by professional editors, The Conversation offers informed commentary and debate on the issues affecting our world.
Natural DisastersMay 10, 2022
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 ChangeMarch 29, 2022
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
SportsMarch 28, 2022
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 HealthMarch 11, 2022
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
PollutionMarch 8, 2022
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
EcologyMarch 2, 2022
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
EpidemiologyFebruary 26, 2022
What Is a Vaccinated Person’s Risk of Dying from COVID?
Vaccination definitely lowers the odds, but the exact answer is hard to find
GeneticsFebruary 15, 2022
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
SportsFebruary 12, 2022
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
SportsFebruary 11, 2022
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 PhysicsFebruary 8, 2022
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
PolicyFebruary 4, 2022
Facial Recognition Plan from IRS Raises Big Concerns
Government agencies are tapping a facial recognition company to prove you’re you
Climate ChangeFebruary 1, 2022
New Maps Show U.S. Flood Damage Rising 26 Percent in Next 30 Years
Future flooding will disproportionately affect Black communities
WeatherJanuary 28, 2022
What Is a Bomb Cyclone?
An atmospheric scientist explains
DefenseJanuary 28, 2022
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 DisastersJanuary 18, 2022
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 HealthJanuary 18, 2022
Sounds of Mosquitoes’ Mating Rituals Could Help Fight Malaria
“Wing beats” can help identify targets for control programs
PsychologyJanuary 14, 2022
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
Climate ChangeJanuary 7, 2022
Don’t Look Up Illustrates 5 Myths That Fuel Rejection of Science
The farcical allegory of climate change shows the pitfalls of relying solely on technology and misunderstanding scientific certainty
CognitionJanuary 5, 2022
What Will 2022 Bring in the Way of Misinformation on Social Media? 3 Experts Weigh In
The one-year anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is raising concerns about falsehoods that increase the risk of repeat events
BehaviorDecember 27, 2021
Why Do Couples Use Baby Talk with One Another?
This style of speech helps infants learn, but romantic adults use it as a way to show affection
Public HealthDecember 15, 2021
Rapid COVID Tests Could Help Curb Infections--Especially During the Holidays
An expert answers questions about when and how to use the tests
WeatherDecember 14, 2021
What a Warming World Means for Deadly Tornadoes
The role of climate change in such storms is difficult to discern but new research is offering clues