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.

 

Houses, allegedly destroyed by shelling, in Ganja, Nagorno Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh: What do residents of the contested territory want for their future?

Oct. 12, 2020

Armenia and Azerbaijan are fighting over the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. But what do the people who live there want? Professor John O’Loughlin and colleagues share on The Conversation.

image of tattooed medical professional

Dynamic tattoos promise to warn wearers of health threats

Sept. 24, 2020

Researchers are developing tattoo inks that sense chemicals, temperature and UV radiation, setting the stage for tattoos that diagnose health problems. Assistant Professor Carson Bruns shares on The Conversation.

An airtanker drops retardant to help stop the spread of the 2015 Eyrie Fire in the foothills of Boise, Idaho, which was ignited by sparks from construction equipment.

Humans ignite almost every wildfire that threatens homes

Sept. 24, 2020

Wildfires aren't always wild. Many of the most expensive and damaging fires happen in suburban areas, and nearly all blazes in these zones are started by humans. Associate Professor Jennifer Balch shares on The Conversation.

ultraviolet light on a bus

Ultraviolet light can make indoor spaces safer during the pandemic—if it’s used the right way

Sept. 9, 2020

Ultraviolet light has a long history as a disinfectant, but it's not risk-free. How do we harness UV light to fight the spread of the virus and protect human health as people work, study and shop indoors? Professor Karl Linden shares on The Conversation.

Kamala Harris

With Kamala Harris, Americans yet again have trouble understanding what multiracial means

Sept. 3, 2020

While the debates about Kamala Harris’ multiraciality may seem new, they are similar to the commentary other high-profile mixed-race people in the U.S. have received about their racial identities. Professor Jennifer Ho shares on The Conversation.

Intentionally mutilated head of Egyptian Pharaoh Hatshepsut

Ancient cancel cultures: The defacement of statues in America replicates a tradition going back millennia

Aug. 19, 2020

As U.S. protesters deface monuments of once revered leaders, they are drawing from an ancient tradition used by both marginalized people and those in power. Assistant Professor Sarah Kurnick shares on The Conversation.

Margot Gage Witvliet in hospital

I’m a COVID-19 long-hauler and an epidemiologist—here’s how it feels when symptoms last for months

Aug. 17, 2020

Imagine going from healthy and active to fearing you are dying almost overnight. CU alumna and epidemiologist Margot Gage Witvliet shares her story on The Conversation.

Stock image of a person wearing a face mask in a supermarket

How to use ventilation and air filtration to prevent the spread of coronavirus indoors

Aug. 12, 2020

The vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs indoors, most of it from the inhalation of airborne particles that contain the coronavirus. Ventilation and filtration techniques hold the key to slowing the spread indoors. Mechanical engineering professor Shelly Miller shares on The Conversation.

Mosaic in San Vitale Basilica, Ravenna, Italy

What are the origins of cathedrals and chapels?

July 27, 2020

Cathedrals and chapels have played vital roles in the development of Christian culture, and their history offers important insight into Christianity. Bible scholar and professor Samuel L. Boyd shares on The Conversation.

People wearing masks and social distancing at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

Online Christian pilgrimage: How a virtual tour to Lourdes follows a tradition of innovation

July 23, 2020

Coronavirus is causing religious communities to rethink ways of expressing their faith. In the spirit of finding innovative ways to continue rituals, the pilgrimage to Lourdes was conducted online. Assistant Professor Samuel L. Boyd shares on The Conversation.

Pages