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.

 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service worker surveys grass

Grim drought outlook for western US offers warnings for the future

May 19, 2022

As climate change brings a hotter, thirstier atmosphere, much of the western U.S. has seen record-breaking wildfires, intense heat waves, low stream flows and dwindling water supplies. CIRES researcher Imtiaz Rangwala shares on The Conversation.

bees on a flower

Beyond honey: 4 essential reads about bees

May 11, 2022

Bees play an essential role pollinating plants, but scientists study bees to learn about their intricate social networks, learning patterns and adaptive behaviors. These four stories from The Conversation’s archive, featuring CU expert Orit Peleg, offer diverse views of life in the hive.

Anti-abortion protesters use bullhorns to counter abortion rights advocates outside the Supreme Court on May 3, 2022

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, there’s no guarantee people can get abortions in liberal states

May 5, 2022

Twenty-five states aren’t expected to ban abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. But limits on abortion in these places, too, make them uncertain refuges for people seeking abortions elsewhere. CU experts share on The Conversation.

A woman cries while kneeling in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 2

What’s at stake as Supreme Court appears intent on overturning Roe v. Wade

May 3, 2022

A draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito suggests a majority of the court may overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that guaranteed the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. Here are three essential reads on The Conversation.

people in line at airport

Should you wear a mask on a plane, bus or train when there’s no mandate? 4 essential reads

April 20, 2022

Despite the halt to the federal mask mandate for mass transit, people may still choose to protect themselves. For those who do, the type of mask and how well it fits matter. CU experts Sara Sawyer, Arturo Barbachano-Guerrero and Cody Warren share on The Conversation.

hypersonic missile

How hypersonic missiles work and the unique threats they pose

April 15, 2022

Russia’s use of hypersonic missiles in Ukraine has put the weapons in the news. Next-generation versions under development could dramatically alter national and global security. Aerospace engineer Iain Boyd shares on The Conversation.

SARS-CoV-2 virus

How does the immune system mobilize in response to COVID-19? 5 essential reads

March 18, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought immunology terms that are typically relegated to textbooks into our everyday vernacular. Featuring three CU experts, look back at The Conversation stories that helped us make sense of the ever-evolving science.

Graphic illustration of young people on phones and laptops

What teens see in closed online spaces such as the Discord app

March 16, 2022

Initially a service to let gamers voice and text chat while playing, most of Discord’s current users build and maintain online communities—though not always very big ones. CU expert Brianna Dym shares on The Conversation.

Patriarch of Russia Kirill and President Vladimir Putin at a monastery

Russian church leader blames invasion on those who flout ‘God’s law’

March 11, 2022

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church suggested the violation of “God’s law” provided divine license for the war against Ukraine. But CU expert and Bible scholar Sam Boyd says taking biblical law out of its historical context doesn’t work. Read on The Conversation.

Bible

Why translating ‘God’s law’ to government law isn’t easy

March 1, 2022

The relationship between the Bible and life in the U.S. continues to make headlines. Expert Sam Boyd discusses how the Bible, its laws and ancient debates were set within a complex vision of society at that time. Read on The Conversation.

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