is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. Ona mission “to promote truthful information and strengthen journalism by unlocking the rich diversity of academic research for audiences across America,” The Conversationpublishes short articlesby 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.

silhouette of child playing in the woods

Connecting to nature is good for kids—but they may need help coping with a planet in peril

Nov. 16, 2020

Here are four ways adults can help kids work through their worries about the environment, shared by Professor Emerita of Environmental Design Louise Chawla on The Conversation.

Map of the Arctic

Where’s the sea ice? 3 reasons the Arctic freeze is unseasonably late and why it matters

Oct. 28, 2020

The pattern of autumn sea ice growth has been completely disrupted. The Director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center Mark Serreze explains what's happening on The Conversation.

A pastor conducts online services from the basement of her home

COVID-19 shines a light on the millennia-old balance between public, private worship

Oct. 23, 2020

During the pandemic, the practice of faith has moved to being a more personal one for many. Assistant Professor Sam Boyd, scholar of the Judeo-Christian tradition, discusses on 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 aCOVID-19long-haulerand an epidemiologist—here’s how it feels when symptoms last formonths

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.

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