The Conversation

Black holes are mysterious, yet also deceptively simple − a new space mission may help physicists answer hairy questions about these astronomical objects

Written by Gaurav Khanna, Professor of Physics, University of Rhode Island

An illustration of a supermassive black hole. NASA/JPL

Physicists consider black holes one of the most mysterious objects that exist. Ironically, they’re also considered one of the simplest. For years, physicists like me have been looking to prove that black holes are more complex than they seem. And a newly approved European space mission...

Viruses are doing mysterious things everywhere – AI can help researchers understand what they’re up to in the oceans and in your gut

Written by Libusha Kelly, Associate Professor of Systems and Computational Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Many viral genetic sequences code for proteins that researchers haven't seen before.KTSDesign/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

Viruses are a mysterious and poorly understood force in microbial ecosystems. Researchers know they can infect, kill and manipulate human and bacterial cells in nearly every environment, from the oceans to your gut....

Term limits aren’t the answer

Written by Charlie Hunt, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Boise State University

Would term limits lead to a more effective and less polarized Congress?Andrey Denisyuk/Getty Images

There’s no denying that the current Congress has been one of the most chaotic in recent memory. The paralysis in 2023 and 2024 over the selection of the speaker of the House helped lead to one of Congress’ most unproductive years in...

How the manosphere found its way into the Black community

Written by Steven Dashiell, Assistant Research Professor, Morgan State University

Many pundits in the manosphere believe that men need to embrace their traditional roles as protectors, providers and producers.L. Willinger/FPG via Getty Images

In the summer of 2023, I read that YouTube had demonetized a podcast called “Fresh & Fit,” meaning that the show could no longer earn ad revenue.

While YouTube didn’t...

Weather risk can move markets months in advance: Stock traders pay attention to these 2 long-range climate forecasts

Written by Derek Lemoine, Professor of Economics, University of Arizona

Months before winter arrives, traders are watching for clues in the long-range weather forecasts.Mario Tama/Getty Images

To understand how important weather and climate risks are to the economy, watch investors. New research shows that two long-range seasonal weather forecasts in particular can move the stock market in interesting ways.

We often...

Wildfire smoke is back – fires burning across Canada are already triggering US air quality alerts in the Midwest and Plains

Written by Charles O. Stanier, Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University of Iowa

Dozens of wildfires are burning across Canada in May 2024 and sending unhealthy smoke blowing into the northern U.S. again. At the same time, the southeastern U.S. is getting smoke from Mexico, where drought conditions have been fueling fires.

Last year, Canada’s record 2023 wildfire season introduced millions of Americans across the Midwest...

Confusion over how pregnancy dates are measured is widespread – and makes for uninformed debate over abortion limits

Written by Laurel Elder, Professor of Political Science, Hartwick College

The exam room of a women's health clinic, which provides abortions, in Jacksonville, Fla., is seen in April 2024. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Most Americans don’t know two key facts about pregnancy, including how they are dated and how long a trimester is – and this could matter, as a growing number of states place restrictions on...

Haitians looking to escape violence and chaos face hostility in neighboring Dominican Republic

Written by Edlin Veras, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology and Black studies, Swarthmore College

Haitians deported from the Dominican Republic head back across the border.Steven Aristil/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince has been under siege for several months, with reports suggesting about 200 gangs have seized control of more than 80% of the city.

The surge of violence has left residents with few options...

‘Noise’ in the machine: Human differences in judgment lead to problems for AI

Written by Mayank Kejriwal, Research Assistant Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Southern California

Bias isn't the only human imperfection turning up in AI.Emrah Turudu/Photodisc via Getty Images

Many people understand the concept of bias at some intuitive level. In society, and in artificial intelligence systems, racial and gender biases are well documented.

If society could somehow remove bias, would all problems go away? The late Nobel...

Asian Jewish Americans have a double reason to celebrate their heritage in May

Written by Samira Mehta, Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies & Jewish Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

May is a reminder of how diverse two American communities are.Cavan Images via Getty Images

May is both Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. Two entirely separate commemorations for two entirely separate communities, right?

Think again. Not only do Asian American Jews exist, but we...