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.

 

Child working on laptop computer

Kids and their computers: Several hours a day of screen time is OK, study suggests

Oct. 12, 2021

New CU Boulder data suggests lots of time on screens may even improve peer relationships, but the study comes with caveats. Doctoral student Katie Paulich shares on The Conversation.

The twin buttes that give Bears Ears National Monument in Utah its name

Biden restores protection for national monuments Trump shrank: 5 essential reads

Oct. 8, 2021

The Biden administration is restoring full protection to three national monuments that President Trump sought to cut down drastically. Professor Mark Squillace and other experts dive into The Conversation archives to examine the controversy.

Fan pointed toward students in classroom

As heat waves intensify, tens of thousands of US classrooms will be too hot for students to learn in

Sept. 30, 2021

America’s public schools, which are more than 40 years old on average, are not equipped to handle rising temperatures due to climate change, a new study reveals. Professor Paul Chinowsky shares on The Conversation.

Teacher and student wearing masks

Why charter schools are not as ‘public’ as they claim to be

Sept. 30, 2021

Charter school enrollment grew during the pandemic. But behind these schools’ rising popularity is a history of harsh discipline, inaccessibility and targeted marketing. Professor Kevin Welner shares on The Conversation.

person protesting abortion ban

Study shows an abortion ban may lead to a 21% increase in pregnancy-related deaths

Sept. 24, 2021

Carrying a pregnancy to term is riskier than having an abortion, especially for non-Hispanic Black women. Sociology Professor Amanda Stevenson shares on The Conversation.

A television reporter reacts to being hit by a heat ray during a demonstration of the U.S. military’s Active Denial System.

Directed energy weapons shoot painful, non-lethal beams––are similar weapons behind Havana syndrome?

Sept. 17, 2021

Electromagnetic beams of the right power and wavelength can cause pain and zap electronics. Could they also be used to disrupt a person’s nervous system? Professor Iain Boyd shares on The Conversation.

Two female engineers

For engineers, asking for help at work is influenced by gender

Sept. 13, 2021

In the male-dominated engineering industry, where women represent only about 11% of the workforce, gender influences whom individuals turn to for answers to questions. Professors Amy Javernick-Will and Tony Tong share on The Conversation.

Jewish community celebrating High Holy Days

What are the Jewish High Holy Days?

Sept. 1, 2021

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and a month of celebrating renewal and moral responsibility––professor and Bible scholar Samuel L. Boyd explains the history of these holy days and why they might offer consolation in times of uncertainty.

elementary students wearing masks in classroom

COVID has spurred investments in air filtration for K-12 schools—but it’s not an instant fix

Aug. 26, 2021

Air-ventilation upgrades have been badly needed in U.S. classrooms long before the pandemic. Low-tech, low-cost filtration systems can make a big difference. Professor Mark Hernandez shares on The Conversation.

flying fish

Fish fins are teaching us the secret to flexible robots, new shape-changing materials

Aug. 18, 2021

Fish fins are extremely flexible yet also strong, and understanding this useful combination of properties could inspire new morphing materials. Professor Francois Barthelat shares on The Conversation.

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