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.

 

The aftermath of the Tulsa Race Massacre, during which mobs of white residents attacked Black residents and businesses of the Greenwood District in June 1921.

What America’s social justice activists can learn from past movements for civil rights

Aug. 16, 2021

Digging deeply into the nation’s past can help illuminate the racial struggles facing the U.S. today. Anthony Siracusa, senior director of inclusive culture and initiatives, shares on The Conversation.

Archaeologist and paleoenvironmental researcher Isaac Hart of the University of Utah surveys a melting ice patch in western Mongolia

Melting Mongolian ice reveals fragile artifacts that provide clues about how past people lived

Aug. 11, 2021

From the high Yukon to the mountains of Central Asia, melting ice exposes fragile ancient artifacts that tell the story of the past––and provide hints about how to respond to a changing climate. Assistant Professor William Taylor shares on The Conversation.

illustration of scientists creating medical treatment

New technology can create treatment against drug-resistant bacteria, adapt to antibiotic resistance

Aug. 10, 2021

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in the world. New research, however, may have found a way to keep up with rapidly evolving bacteria. PhD candidate Kristen Eller shares on The Conversation.

illustration of data

Low- and middle-income countries lack access to big data analysis––here’s how to fill the gap

July 26, 2021

Data science infrastructure is sorely needed in many places. Doctors Without Borders brings medical help to nations in need, but similar efforts are relatively small for statistics. CU’s David Gunderman and Eric Vance share on The Conversation.

John Glenn looking through piles of mail

John Glenn fans dreamed of the stars––but sexism thwarted their ambitions

July 13, 2021

Recent scholarship on the early Space Age has reawakened questions about the ways gender, race, ethnicity and class shaped the U.S. human space flight program. Associate Professor Roshanna Sylvester shares on The Conversation.

fireworks for sale

Over 100 fire scientists urge the US West: Skip the fireworks this record-dry 4th of July

June 30, 2021

Every year, the number of wildfires caused by humans spikes on Independence Day. There are safer ways to celebrate amid the heat and drought. Associate Professor Jennifer Balch and colleagues share on The Conversation.

A Maasai person receives a call on his mobile phone.

‘Wrong number? Let’s chat’ Maasai herders in East Africa use misdials to make connections

June 24, 2021

Research into how Maasai in Tanzania use their phones shows how dialing errors can also breed friendships and business opportunities. Anthropology Professor J. Terrence McCabe and colleagues share on The Conversation.

Migrants hoping to reach the distant U.S. border walk along a highway in Guatemala

As more climate migrants cross borders seeking refuge, laws will need to adapt

June 9, 2021

Climate migrants don’t fit neatly into the legal definitions of refugee or migrant, and that can leave them in limbo. The Biden administration is debating how to identify and help them. Associate Professor Amanda Carrico and colleagues share on The Conversation.

2017 wildfire on California coast

Bringing tech innovation to wildfires: 4 recommendations for smarter firefighting as megafires menace the US

June 9, 2021

Satellites can already spot a new fire within minutes, but the information they beam back to Earth isn't getting to everyone who needs it or being used as well as it could be. Natasha Stavros, CU Earth Lab Analytics Hub director, shares on The Conversation.

Bulletin board that says 'misinformation'

Spotting hoaxes: How young people in Africa use cues to spot misinformation online

May 25, 2021

Users do spend some time thinking about whether information is true; the decision to share it (even if it’s fake news) depends on the topic and the type of message. Doctoral media researcher Gregory Gondwe and colleagues share on The Conversation.

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