The Conversation

Hurricane Milton explodes into a powerful Category 5 storm as it heads for Florida − here’s how rapid intensification works

Written by Zachary Handlos, Atmospheric Science Educator, Georgia Institute of Technology

Satellite data shows Hurricane Milton on Oct. 8, 2024, as it moves across Gulf of Mexico.NOAA

Hurricane Milton became one of the most rapidly intensifying storms on record as it went from barely hurricane strength to a dangerous Category 5 storm in less than a day on a path across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida.

With sustained winds that reached...

Many stable atoms have ‘magic numbers’ of protons and neutrons − 75 years ago, 2 physicists discovered their special properties

Written by Artemis Spyrou, Professor of Nuclear Physics, Michigan State University

The linear accelerator at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, where researchers study rare isotopes of elements. Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

The word magic is not often used in the context of science. But in the early 1930s, scientists discovered that some atomic nuclei – the center part of atoms, which make up all matter – were...

MicroRNA is the Nobel-winning master regulator of the genome – researchers are learning to treat disease by harnessing how it controls genes

Written by Andrea Kasinski, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Purdue University

RNA is more than just a transitional state between DNA and protein.Christoph Burgstedt/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

When Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered a new molecule they called microRNA in the 1980s, it was a fascinating diversion from what for decades had been called the central dogma of molecular biology.

Recognized with the...

How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across six states

Written by Cary Mock, Professor of Geography, University of South Carolina

Helene's heavy rainfall devastated small mountain towns far from the coast, including Marshall, N.C.AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together...

Air pollution inside Philly’s subway is much worse than on the streets

Written by Kabindra Shakya, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Villanova University

Age of subway, frequency of trains and poor ventilation contribute to bad air quality. Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The air quality in the City Hall subway station in downtown Philadelphia is much worse than on the sidewalks directly above the station. That is a key finding of our new study published in the Journal of Exposure...

When and why do girls start forming cliques?

Written by Hannah L. Schacter, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Wayne State University

A clique is a group whose members spend a lot of time together.pixdeluxe/E+ via Getty Images

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

When and why do girls start forming cliques? – Anushka, age 14, California

The Plastics. Will,...

NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the 2030s − a crewed mission could unlock some of the red planet’s geologic mysteries

Written by Joel S. Levine, Research Professor, Department of Applied Science, William & Mary

Mars' craters come from ancient collisions during the formation of the solar system. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell University/Arizona State University via AP

NASA plans to send humans on a scientific round trip to Mars potentially as early as 2035. The trip will take about six to seven months each way and will cover up to 250 million miles (402 million...

Why would people vote for Kamala Harris? 5 things to understand about why her supporters back her

Written by Alex Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology; Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University - Newark

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Sept. 13, 2024. Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Kamala Harris has the support of nearly 49% of voters, according to recent polling. Why do those people support her?

For many on the right, the support for the candidate some critics call “Comrade Kamala”...

How a newspaper revolution sparked protesters and influencers, disinformation and the Civil War

Written by Jon Grinspan, Political History Curator, Smithsonian Institution

An image from Harper's Weekly depicts the 'Grand procession of Wide-Awakes at New York on the evening of October 3, 1860.' Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

There’s one question I get every time I give a talk. I’m a curator of political history at the Smithsonian Institution, and when I discuss the deep history of...

A year ago, the hostages were a rallying point for solidarity in Israel – now, their families are symbols of the country’s sharp divides

Written by Shai P. Ginsburg, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Duke University

People in Tel Aviv protest against the Israeli government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip on Sept. 21, 2024.AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean

In the run-up to the first anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel, there has been no shortage of dramatic events making headlines in Israel. On Oct. 1, Israelis took shelter during Iran...