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.

 

People attend a candlelight vigil in memory of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee

3 essential reads on police brutality, race and the power of video evidence

Jan. 30, 2023

The death of Tyre Nichols has triggered national outrage. Here are three must-read articles published by The Conversation over the past few years, one authored by CU Boulder Assistant Professor Sandra Ristovska examining interpretations of video evidence.

Artist's rendition of a prehistoric reptile and a giant bird called the Genyomis

How we cracked the mystery of Australia’s prehistoric giant eggs

Jan. 25, 2023

Researchers have solved a long-running detective story, finally confirming the identity of the extinct bird that laid eggs across Australia: the giant flightless bird called Genyornis. CU expert Gifford Miller and colleagues share insight on The Conversation.

Robots working at laptops in corporate office

AI and the future of work—what it means for artists and knowledge workers

Jan. 11, 2023

Now that artificial intelligence systems can generate realistic images and convincing prose, are creative and knowledge workers endangered or poised for productivity gains? CU experts say it’s not so clear-cut. Read more on The Conversation.

Marshall Fire image (The Conversation)

Homes that survived the Marshall Fire harbored another disaster inside—here’s what we’ve learned

Jan. 2, 2023

Although the people who lived in still-standing homes after the Marshall Fire were spared the loss of everything they owned, when they returned, they found another disaster. CU experts Joost de Gouw, Michael Hannigan and Colleen Reid share on The Conversation.

Menorah lit with purple, orange, red and yellow candles

‘Untraditional’ Hanukkah celebrations are often full of traditions for Jews of color

Dec. 20, 2022

Multicultural Jewish families and Jews of color are innovating food-centered holidays to bring their whole selves to the table. CU expert Samira Mehta shares on The Conversation.

Herd of reindeer in the Arctic

Arctic report card reveals rainier, shifting seasons with broad disturbances

Dec. 13, 2022

The 2022 Arctic Report Card, released annually, establishes that the Arctic is getting rainier, and seasons are shifting—with broad disturbances for people, ecosystems and wildlife. CU experts Matthew Druckenmiller and Twila Moon share on The Conversation.

A powerful green laser helps visualize the aerosol plumes from a toilet when it’s being flushed.

Toilets spew invisible aerosol plumes with every flush—here’s the proof

Dec. 8, 2022

Using high-powered lasers to illuminate aerosol droplets ejected from a toilet, researchers aim to reduce exposure to disease-causing pathogens in public restrooms. CU expert John Crimaldi shares on The Conversation.

Swarm of fireflies in the woods

Fireflies’ blinking lights embody in nature what mathematics predicted

Nov. 16, 2022

Synchrony is ubiquitous throughout the universe. But physicists’ equations predicted there could also be erratic exceptions marching to their own beat—now they’ve been spotted in firefly swarms. CU expert Raphael Sarfati shares on The Conversation.

Person logs in to Mastodon on a phone

What is Mastodon? Social media expert explains

Nov. 11, 2022

The turmoil at Twitter has many people turning to an alternative, Mastodon. CU expert Brian Keegan explains how the platform works and why it won't be the new Twitter. Read on The Conversation.

Kari Lake, the GOP candidate for Arizona governor, campaigns at a rally

New wave of celebrity politicians breaks the rules on acceptable behavior, inspired by Trump

Nov. 8, 2022

GOP candidates Kari Lake, Herschel Walker and Dr. Mehmet Oz have caught people’s attention for outlandish stunts and false statements that are increasingly accepted in politics. CU experts Donna Goldstein and Kristen Drybread discuss on The Conversation.

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