The Conversation is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. On a mission “to promote truthful information and strengthen journalism by unlocking the rich diversity of academic research for audiences across America,” The Conversation publishes short articles by academics on timely topics related to their research. CU Boulder provides funding as a member of The Conversation U.S. Learn more about the partnership and how and why to write for The Conversation.

 

Stonehenge during winter solstice sunset

Stonehenge may have aligned with the moon as well as the sun

April 22, 2024

There is an abundance of archaeological evidence that indicates solar alignment was part of the architectural design of Stonehenge, but the monument’s ancient connection to the skies may run even deeper than realized. Read from CU expert Erica Ellingson and colleagues on The Conversation.

Business employees in a meeting room

Why being humble can make you a better leader

April 17, 2024

If you want to get to the top and stay there, humility trumps arrogance as a management style, researchers say. Read from CU expert David Hekman and colleague Elsa Chan on The Conversation.

power line in a mountainous area

Colorado is latest state to try turning off the electrical grid to prevent wildfires

April 15, 2024

Power grids have played roles in wildfires across the U.S. over the last decade. In most states, utilities may opt to shut off power to parts of the grid to reduce wildfire risk. Read more from CU expert Kyri Baker on The Conversation.

Jars of a cannabis flower in a dispensary

Lab tests show THC potency inflated on retail cannabis in Colorado

March 22, 2024

Misleading potency labels can disrupt medical dosages, misguide recreational users and erode trust in the industry. Read from CU expert Anna Schwabe on The Conversation.

A cameraman films the Ohio State Buckeyes before a 2018 game

40 years ago the Supreme Court broke the NCAA’s lock on TV revenue, reshaping college sports

March 21, 2024

Ahead of the 1984 regional basketball semifinals, the Supreme Court heard opening arguments in a case that changed how Americans watch college sports to this day. Read from CU expert Jared Bahir Browsh on The Conversation.

Thomas Raggi of the band Måneskin performs a concert that streamed live on TikTok in 2021

As the US government and record labels go after TikTok, musicians get the squeeze

March 18, 2024

TikTok has become a beacon in an otherwise dismal digital streaming landscape, and while musicians increasingly need TikTok, TikTok also needs music. Read more from CU expert Ediz Ozelkan on The Conversation.

Young people demonstrate ahead of a climate summit in New York in September 2023

Climate change matters to more and more people, could be a deciding factor in the election

March 15, 2024

Research shows that climate change had a significant effect on voting choices in the 2016 and 2020 elections—and could also influence the 2024 presidential race. Read from CU expert Matt Burgess on The Conversation.

The USS Portland test-fires a laser weapon

High-energy laser weapons: How they work, what they are used for

March 7, 2024

Militaries around the world are rapidly developing science fiction-like laser weapons, motivated in part by the growing threat from swarms of drones. Read from CU defense expert Iain Boyd on the Conversation.

Comedian Chuck Nice and daughter crack jokes about climate change in a video

Climate comedy works—why, how it can help lighten a politically heavy year in 2024

Feb. 29, 2024

Jokes can be a healing contagion as they expose hypocrisy, spark laughter and open minds. The need for levity is just one reason climate comedy works—read more from CU experts Max Boykoff and Beth Osnes on The Conversation.

Factory stacks

Louisiana governor enables corporate property tax breaks, taking money away from schools

Feb. 26, 2024

Louisiana’s governor has signed an executive order making it easier for companies to receive lucrative property tax breaks, and cash-strapped schools will likely pay the price. Read from CU expert Kevin Welner and colleagues on The Conversation.

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