The Conversation

Unearthed mummy recalls an Iran before the ayatollahs

Written by David J. Wasserstein, Professor of History and Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University

An Islamic revolution ran the shah out of Iran in 1979. Now, his father's mummified body has resurfaced.AP Photo

As a historian, I well know that the past has a habit of coming back. And, sometimes, it wreaks havoc on the present.

That’s the situation now confronting Iran after a mummy was discovered during construction on a building in Tehran...

Deadly highrise fire in Brazil spotlights city's housing crisis and the squatter movement it spawned

Written by Patricia Rodrigues Samora, Professor of Architecture and Urban Planning, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

A massive fire in historic downtown São Paulo, Brazil, on May 1 has killed at least one person, with three more suspected dead. Several neighboring buildings, including a church, were destroyed, scorched or evacuated.

The 25-story building that caught fire and later collapsed was a vacant former police headquarters now occupied by...

Sexism isn't just unfair; it makes women sick, study suggests

Written by Catherine Harnois, Professor of Sociology, Wake Forest University

A protester carries a #metoo sign at a Women's March in Seattle on Jan. 20, 2018.AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Recent social movements such as the Women’s March, #MeToo, #TimesUp, #BalanceTonPorc (#OutYourPig), and #SayHerName draw attention to the broad spectrum gender-related violence that is pervasive in the United States and around the world.

Soc...

Michigan says Flint water is safe to drink, but residents' trust in government has corroded

Written by Cedric Taylor, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Central Michigan University

Toppled road sign for a closed water distribution center in Flint, Mich.Cedric Taylor, CC BY-ND

On April 6, 2018, with little warning, the state of Michigan closed water point of distribution (POD) centers that have provided residents in Flint for the past three years with bottled water to drink, cook and bathe. This move was based on analysis...

Are North Korean media outlets signaling that the regime is getting serious about diplomacy?

Written by Meredith Shaw, Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

A North Korean newscaster reports on the Inter-Korean summit during an April 28 broadcast.Korean Central Television

North Korea’s domestic news media remains carefully choreographed and managed by the ruling Korean Workers’ Party.

Nonetheless, in the wake of major events, a judicious reading of their content can sometimes offer insights...

That distinctive springtime smell: Asparagus pee

Written by Sarah Coseo Markt, Research Scientist in Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University

One of the signature fragrances of spring comes after the consumption of asparagus.Anton G, CC BY-NC

Along with many other delights, springtime brings the beginning of the asparagus growing season. Regardless of whether you prefer the green, purple or white variety, asparagus provides a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and its consumption as...

Russians hack home internet connections – here's how to protect yourself

Written by Sandeep Nair Narayanan, Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Securing your home's connection to the internet.rommma/Shutterstock.com

In late April, the top federal cybersecurity agency, US-CERT, announced that Russian hackers had attacked internet-connected devices throughout the U.S., including network routers in private homes. Most people set them up – or had their internet service provider set them...

The world's nuclear energy watchdogs: 4 questions answered

Written by Scott L. Montgomery, Lecturer, Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington

An International Atomic Energy Agency inspector at Iran's Natanz facility, 2014.AP Photo/IRNA, Kazem Ghane

North Korea has promised to get rid of its nuclear weapons, but how will the world know if it actually follows through?

There is only one international agency in the world that could verify their compliance, the International Atomic Energy...

Applying live bacteria to skin improves eczema

Written by Ian Myles, Assistant Clinical Investigator, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Eczema, which is common in babies, is itchy and painful.silentalex88/Shutterstock.com

With two decades of medical education, training, and research under my belt, I have finally reached the stage in my career when I can proudly state that I intentionally spray people in the face with live bacteria.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema,...

As Israel turns 70, many young American Jews turn away

Written by Dov Waxman, Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, & Israel Studies, Northeastern University

A protest by 'If Not Now' outside the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., March 2017.Gili Getz

Natalie Portman, the Oscar-winning actress, recently kicked off a massive storm of controversy when she pulled out of a prestigious award ceremony in Israel because, she said, she “did not want to...