The Conversation

Are trans women ‘biologically male’? The answer is complicated

Written by G. Samantha Rosenthal, Visiting Assistant Professor of American History, Washington and Lee University

Sarah McBride, center, is the first out transgender member of Congress.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

A surprising buzzword in the U.S. Congress these days is “biological.”

In a now viral video, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina was filmed taping a piece of paper with the word “biological” on it above a women’s...

Wildland firefighters face a big pay cut if Congress doesn’t act − that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress

Written by Robin Verble, Professor of Biology, Environmental Science Program Director, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Wildland firefighting is physically and emotionally intense. The job is also essential for community safety. Neal Waters/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

As cool weather arrives and the number of U.S. wildfires declines, wildland firefighters who have spent months working in the heat and smoke are able to take a much-needed break. But for many of...

Wildland firefighters face up to $20,000 pay cut if Congress doesn’t act − that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress

Written by Robin Verble, Professor of Biology, Environmental Science Program Director, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Wildland firefighting is physically and emotionally intense. The job is also essential for community safety. Neal Waters/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

As cool weather arrives and the number of U.S. wildfires declines, wildland firefighters who have spent months working in the heat and smoke are able to take a much-needed break. But for many of...

What is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham? And how did the Islamist group evolve into a key player in Syria’s civil war?

Written by Sara Harmouch, Ph.D. candidate in Public Affairs, American University

Anti-Assad fighters stationed at the airport in Aleppo on Dec. 2, 2024. Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images

A major offensive has seen rebel groups in Syria retake the country’s second city, Aleppo – and demonstrated the growing prominence of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the 13-year-long civil war.

The surprise advance was...

Pardon who? Hunter Biden case renews ethical debate over use and limits of peculiar presidential power

Written by Scott Davidson, Professor of Philosophy, West Virginia University

President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden stepping out of a bookstore in Nantucket, Mass. on Nov. 29, 2024. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

The decision by President Joe Biden to pardon his son, Hunter, despite previously suggesting he would not do so, has reopened debate over the use of the presidential pardon.

Hunter Biden will be spared potential...

Do Mom and Dad really know what’s best? A psychologist explains why kids see their parents as bossier than they are

Written by Annie Pezalla, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology, Macalester College

Nobody likes being told what to do, but a parent's main job is to protect their kids.VioletaStoimenova/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.

Why do my parents always act like they know best? – Taliyah, age...

Music can change how you feel about the past

Written by Yiren Ren, Adjunct Researcher in Cognitive Brain Science, Georgia Institute of Technology

Music could alter the emotional tenor of your memories.CoffeeAndMilk/E+ via Getty Images

Have you ever noticed how a particular song can bring back a flood of memories? Maybe it’s the tune that was playing during your first dance, or the anthem of a memorable road trip.

People often think of these musical memories as fixed snapshots of the...

The apocalypse that wasn’t: AI was everywhere in 2024’s elections, but deepfakes and misinformation were only part of the picture

Written by Bruce Schneier, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School

AI played many roles in 2024's elections.AP Photo/Paul Vernon

It’s been the biggest year for elections in human history: 2024 is a “super-cycle” year in which 3.7 billion eligible voters in 72 countries had the chance to go the polls. These are also the first AI elections, where many feared that deepfakes and artificial...

Why sending a belated gift is not as bad as you probably think − and late is better than never

Written by Rebecca Walker Reczek, Professor of Marketing, The Ohio State University

The thoughtfulness counts more than the timeliness.Maria Korneeva/Moment via GettyImages

If finding the right present and making sure the recipient gets it on time leaves you feeling anxious, you’re not alone. More than half of Americans say that gift-giving stresses them out.

Concerns about on-time delivery are so common that people share...

Tip pressure might work in the moment, but customers are less likely to return

Written by Sara Hanson, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Richmond

Nobody likes feeling pressured.lechatnoir/E+ via Getty Images

Have you ever hesitated at the register, uncomfortable as an employee watched you choose a tip? It’s not just you. The rise of digital tipping systems – from point-of-sale devices held by employees to countertop screens that clearly display your selection – is changing...