The Conversation

When safety measures lead to riskier behavior by more people

Written by Alex Horenstein, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Miami

Protective measures and their safety assurances can change how people act around risk.Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP

Coronavirus fears triggered a recent surge in sales of protective masks, as well as disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. Now there’s a shortage and concern that even health care providers who must wear face masks won’t...

If I get sick with coronavirus, can Donald Trump make me stay home?

Written by Brian Labus, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

President Donald Trump recently appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and control public statements by government health officials about the crisis.

In the days since, health departments throughout the country have investigated potential cases, announced new cases and declared public...

A coronavirus recession may be coming: Here's what to do with your money

Written by Alexander Kurov, Professor of Finance and Fred T. Tattersall Research Chair in Finance, West Virginia University

In Rome, a normally packed Colosseum is virtually empty. AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Global markets are crashing, the price of oil is plummeting and even entire countries are in lockdown. The odds of a recession due to the new coronavirus outbreak are rising every day.

A question I’m often asked as a finance professor and a CFA charterholder is...

Protecting mangroves can prevent billions of dollars in global flooding damage every year

Written by Michael Beck, Research professor, University of California, Santa Cruz

Mangroves along Mexico's Yucatan coastline.Michael Beck, CC BY-ND

Hurricanes and tropical storms are estimated to cost the U.S. economy more than US$50 billion yearly in damage from winds and flooding. And as these storms travel across the Atlantic, they also ravage many Caribbean nations.

We study coastal ecosystems and how to value the natural...

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...