The Conversation

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...

#MeToo in the art world: Genius should not excuse sexual harassment

Written by Irina Aristarkhova, Associate Professor, Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan

Mosaics by artist Chuck Close on the walls of the new 86th Street subway station on the Second Avenue line in New York.AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File

This May, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., was to showcase the work of two famous artists: one of painter Chuck Close and another of photographer Thomas Roma. Both exhibitions, however were...

As genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutation expands, questions arise about treatment decisions

Written by Katherine Drabiak, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Genomics, University of South Florida

Genetic testing for breast cancer gene mutations is now available. But it could lead to over treatment. Fotos593/Shutterstock.com

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced its authorization that permits genetics testing company 23andMe to market a test for gene mutations associated with risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

In response,...

How artificial intelligence can detect – and create – fake news

Written by Anjana Susarla, Associate Professor of Information Systems, Michigan State University

Is that clickbait true?Crystal Eye Studio/Shutterstock.com

When Mark Zuckerberg told Congress Facebook would use artificial intelligence to detect fake news posted on the social media site, he wasn’t particularly specific about what that meant. Given my own work using image and video analytics, I suggest the company should be careful. Despite...

Ben Carson's effort to 'reform' housing safety net would deepen poverty by hurting poorest Americans

Written by Alex Schwartz, Professor of Urban Policy, The New School

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson argues his housing reforms would increase self-sufficiency.AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

The Trump administration recently proposed fundamental changes to how the federal government helps low-income families pay for housing.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson claims his...

Another problem with China's coal: Mercury in rice

Written by Noelle Eckley Selin, Associate Professor of Data, Systems, and Society and Atmospheric Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mercury enters rice through local industrial activities and through burning coal. David Woo, CC BY-ND

Mercury pollution is a problem usually associated with fish consumption. Pregnant women and children in many parts of the world are advised to eat fish low in mercury to protect against the adverse health impacts, including neurological damages,...