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.

 

LGBTQ+ couple lying on a couch and reading

What’s behind the astonishing rise in LGBTQ+ romance literature?

Feb. 22, 2024

It’s tempting to see this trend as a sign of the times, but the biggest book publishers started changing their approach only once they realized they were leaving money on the table. Read from CU experts Christine Larson and Ashley Carter.

Young people sitting and scrolling on their phones

‘It is hijacking my brain’—experts help cut the social media craving

Feb. 15, 2024

A team of experts have found ways to help young people addicted to social media—you can free yourself from some of the time you spend online in as little as four weeks. Hear from CU experts Annie Margaret and Nicholas Hunkins on The Conversation.

exterior view of a typical American school building

Property tax breaks to businesses draining school budgets

Feb. 15, 2024

An estimated 95% of U.S. cities provide economic development tax incentives to woo corporate investors, taking billions away from schools, especially hurting the poorest students. Hear from CU expert Kevin Welner and colleagues on The Conversation.

The dark, far side of the moon

Lunar science is entering a new phase

Feb. 8, 2024

For the first time since 1972, NASA is putting science experiments on the moon in 2024—landers that will study solar wind and peer into the universe’s dark ages. Read from CU expert Jack Burns on The Conversation.

Illustration of a lawyer writing at a desktop computer surrounded by huge stacks of paper

Supreme Court word-count limits for lawyers—explained in 1,026 words

Feb. 1, 2024

Lawyers submitting briefs to the Supreme Court in the Donald Trump Colorado ballot case must file a “certificate of word count.” Why? CU expert Derek Kiernan-Johnson explains on The Conversation.

Group of science researchers in a lab

Who leads scientific discoveries: Big personalities or big teams?

Jan. 31, 2024

New research could help optimize the composition of teams to improve their performance. Read from CU expert Janet Bercovitz and colleagues on The Conversation. (Please note the text is in French.)

two people looking at devices

How to protect your data privacy

Jan. 25, 2024

You probably know, you’re being tracked online, but what can you do about it? CU Boulder digital media expert Nathan Schneider provides steps you can take and explains why you can’t go it alone. Read more on The Conversation.

Skiers on the slopes at Palisades Tahoe ski resort

Tahoe avalanche: What causes seemingly safe snow slopes to collapse?

Jan. 11, 2024

A deadly avalanche at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, shows the risk as snow layers melt and new snow falls. Read from Associate Professor Nathalie Vriend, a physicist and avid skier, on The Conversation.

A wild gray wolf at Yellowstone National Park

Gray wolves in Colorado: How the reintroduction will affect prey, plants

Jan. 11, 2024

After an 80-year absence, gray wolves have returned to Colorado. Read from Professor Joanna Lambert on The Conversation, as she discusses the apex predator’s decline and the value of reintroducing them to ecosystems in the West.

Robots walking alongside humans

AI is here—and everywhere

Jan. 8, 2024

Three artificial intelligence researchers—including Associate Professor Casey Fiesler of the College of Media, Communication and Information—look to the challenges ahead in 2024 on The Conversation.

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