The Conversation

7 science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety

Written by Jelena Kecmanovic, Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Georgetown University

Anxiety is part of life, but should not take over your life. fizkes/Shutterstock.com

As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues its global spread and the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases continues to increase, anxiety related to the outbreak is on the rise too.

As a psychologist, I am seeing this in my practice already. Although feeling anxiety in response...

Graphic novels help teens learn about racism, climate change and social justice – here's a reading list

Written by Karen W. Gavigan, Professor of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina

The success of 'Maus' made the genre more visible.Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for New York Comic Con

Teen activists worldwide are making headlines for their social justice advocacy on everything from climate change and immigration to substance abuse and LGBTQ issues. As young people get more vocal about these issues, this trend is being...

Black turnout in primaries might make Democrats think twice about swing voter strategy

Written by Todd Shaw, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of South Carolina

Voters fill out Super Tuesday ballots in North Carolina.Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Big wins for Joe Biden on Super Tuesday and in the South Carolina primary a few days earlier have seemingly bolstered a centrist view of how best to capture the presidency: appeal to the middle, pick up swing voters.

It is true that a sizeable chunk of moderates...

Mennonites helped turn Paraguay into a mega beef producer – indigenous people may pay the price

Written by Joel E. Correia, Assistant Professor of Latin American Studies, University of Florida

South America's bi-oceanic highway, which will stretch from the Pacific to the Atlantic -- cutting right through Paraguay -- is scheduled for completion in 2022.Joel Correia, Author provided

The “new Panama Canal” – that’s how some are hailing a highway now under construction in South America that spans the continent, from...

A geriatrician offers 4 tips for seniors to stay connected during coronavirus outbreak

Written by Laurie Archbald-Pannone, Associate Professor Medicine, Geriatrics, University of Virginia

As the number of COVID-19 cases jump, a Los Angeles man stocks up on toilet paper -- 150 rolls of it. Getty Images/Mark Ralston

As the numbers climb for those infected with the novel coronavirus, the dangers rise for vulnerable populations. People who are older or with underlying medical conditions risk the severest consequences, including organ...

How a tech-based program on health brought African American kids and parents together

Written by Velma McBride Murry, University Professor, Departments of Health Policy and Human & Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University

High-tech tools can help African American children avoid drugs and alcohol, honor their racial heritage, and remain optimistic.Getty Images / Klaus Vedfelt

The mere act of growing up brings special challenges to young African Americans, particularly those living in rural areas. Resources there are often limited, compared to what’s offered in...

Does screening travelers for disease and infection really work?

Written by Tom Duszynski, Director Epidemiology Education, IUPUI

Body temperature scans are one tool to interrupt the spread of disease by travelers.Tatan Syuflana/APImages.com

Following the emergence of a new coronavirus late last year, China closed its borders to prevent the disease from traveling. Yet many people had already left Wuhan, which allowed the virus to move with people as they traveled around the...

Malnourished bugs: Higher CO2 levels make plants less nutritious, hurting insect populations

Written by Ellen Welti, Postdoctoral Researcher of Biology, University of Oklahoma

These grasshoppers, like many insects around the world, are declining. Dave Rintoul, CC BY-ND

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

The big idea

Grasshopper populations, like those of many other insects, are declining. My colleagues and I identified a new possible culprit: The plants grasshoppers rely on for food are...

Will sick leave protect me if I get ill from coronavirus? 5 questions answered

Written by Elizabeth C. Tippett, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Oregon

Inadequate leave policies means many of us work while sick.PeopleImages/Getty Images

Editor’s note: In the coming weeks and months, an outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States could leave workers scrambling to figure out what happens to their job – and their pay – if the new coronavirus prevents them from reporting to work. The...

Can I take time off if my child's school is closed for coronavirus? 5 questions on sick leave laws answered

Written by Elizabeth C. Tippett, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Oregon

Inadequate leave policies means many of us work while sick.PeopleImages/Getty Images

Editor’s note: Lawmakers are debating a coronavirus relief package that could include emergency paid leave benefits for all workers affected by the pandemic. Meanwhile, the spread of COVID-19 is leaving workers in the United States scrambling to figure out...