The Conversation

How worried should you be about coronavirus variants? A virologist explains his concerns

Written by Paulo Verardi, Associate Professor of Virology and Vaccinology, University of Connecticut

A COVID-19 patient in an ICU unit in a hospital in Capetown, South Africa, in December 2020. A variant emerged in South Africa that has since spread to other parts of the world. Other new variants could emerge elsewhere.Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty Images

Spring has sprung, and there is a sense of relief in the air. After one year of lockdowns and...

Why you should expect more Suez-like supply chain disruptions and shortages at your local grocery store

Written by Nada R. Sanders, Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management, Northeastern University

A Target in Sheridan, Colorado, was very low on paper towels in November 2020. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

When the Ever Given container ship choked off traffic in the Suez Canal for almost a week in late March 2021, it made big headlines around the world.

The price of oil rose, and companies fretted as hundreds of ships carrying everything from coffee...

Bringing 'behavioral vaccines' to school: 5 ways educators can support student well-being

Written by Sandra M. Chafouleas, Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut

Research shows small acts of kindness can make a big difference in classrooms. kali9/E+ via Getty Images

As many schools in the U.S. figure out how to safely and fully resume in-person instruction, much of the focus is on vaccinations.

But there’s another type of “vaccine” that may be beneficial for some returning K-12 students...

Beverly Cleary refused to teach kids how to be good -- and generations of young readers fell in love with her rebel Ramona

Written by Kristin Girten, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Arts and Humanities/Associate Professor of English, University of Nebraska Omaha

Beverly Cleary's beloved characters, including Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins, have enthralled readers for decades.AP Photo/Anthony McCartney

There’s nothing like being reasoned with by a 4-year-old girl.

“‘Stop it,’ ordered Beezus. ‘Stop it this instant! You can’t eat one bite and then throw the rest...

White supremacy is the root of all race-related violence in the US

Written by Jennifer Ho, Professor of Asian American Studies, University of Colorado Boulder

As fears of anti-Asian violence grow, police seek to be more visible to deter attacks.AP Photo/Kathy Willens

Amid the disturbing rise in attacks on Asian Americans since March 2020 is a troubling category of these assaults: Black people are also attacking Asian Americans.

White people are the main perpetrators of anti-Asian racism. But in February...

Power imbalances are at the root of sexual harassment – but statements like Andrew Cuomo’s don't acknowledge that inconvenient fact

Written by Charlotte Alexander, Associate Professor of Law and Analytics, Georgia State University

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faces an investigation over an alleged pattern of sexually harassing and intimidating women employees.Brendan McDermid/Pool/AFP/via Getty Images

In recent weeks, multiple women have reported demeaning and sexualized workplace behavior by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In response, Cuomo has issued a combination of denials, de...

Las sirenas no existen pero, ¿por qué nos fascinan tanto sus historias?

Written by Peter Goggin, Associate Professor of English, Arizona State University

No dejes que historias intrigantes te engañen sobre sirenas y otras criaturas divertidas pero inventadas, como Pie Grande o el monstruo del lago Ness.AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez

Las sirenas, criaturas submarinas que son mitad peces y mitad humanos, no existen excepto en la imaginación de las personas. Los científicos que...

Building trust among parents and teachers is key to reopening schools

Written by Sherman Dorn, Professor of Education, Arizona State University

Schools that build trust with their communities can reduce fears surrounding reopening. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A New York City mother said she kept her son in remote schooling during the pandemic because she believes city education officials “lie a lot.”

“These buildings are old and don’t have proper ventilation,”...

Here's how to help your kids break out of their pandemic bubble and transition back to being with others

Written by Dominique A. Phillips, Ph.D. Student in Clinical Psychology, University of Miami

Whether just comfortable at home or nervous about leaving, kids may need extra support to get back out there.Imgorthand/E+ via Getty Images

Pilar’s parents took all the recommended precautions to shield her from the dangers of COVID-19. They stayed at home, away from family, friends and group activities. Pilar had remained in virtual...

There's a surprising ending to all the 2020 election conflicts over absentee ballot deadlines

Written by Richard Pildes, Professor of Constitutional Law, New York University

One billboard outside Bloomington, Minnesota: A sign warns voters about a recent federal court ruling about absentee ballot deadlines.Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

One of the most heavily contested voting-policy issues in the 2020 election, in both the courts and the political arena, was the deadline for returning absentee ballots.

Going into the...