The Conversation

Michigan says Flint water is safe to drink, but residents' trust in government has corroded

Written by Cedric Taylor, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Central Michigan University

Toppled road sign for a closed water distribution center in Flint, Mich.Cedric Taylor, CC BY-ND

On April 6, 2018, with little warning, the state of Michigan closed water point of distribution (POD) centers that have provided residents in Flint for the past three years with bottled water to drink, cook and bathe. This move was based on analysis...

Are North Korean media outlets signaling that the regime is getting serious about diplomacy?

Written by Meredith Shaw, Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

A North Korean newscaster reports on the Inter-Korean summit during an April 28 broadcast.Korean Central Television

North Korea’s domestic news media remains carefully choreographed and managed by the ruling Korean Workers’ Party.

Nonetheless, in the wake of major events, a judicious reading of their content can sometimes offer insights...

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...