The Conversation

By fact-checking Thoreau's observations at Walden Pond, we showed how old diaries and specimens can inform modern research

Written by Tara K. Miller, PhD Candidate in Biology, Boston University

Scientists have used author Henry David Thoreau's notes to inform studies of climate change in eastern Massachusetts.Tom Stohlman/Flickr, CC BY-SA

Henry David Thoreau, the environmental philosopher and author of “Walden”, was a keen observer of seasonal change. In 1862, for example, he wrote in the Atlantic Monthly:

“October is...

More than 60% of Puerto Ricans seeking FEMA aid after Hurricane Maria had their applications denied – will the agency approve more this time?

Written by Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

Hurricane Fiona drenched places like Salinas across Puerto Rico in September 2022.AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo

CC BY-ND

The Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected 60.5% of the 1.1 million applications Puerto Ricans filed for housing assistance after Hurricane Maria devastated the territory in 2017.

As I explained in an article published in Hous...

The future of creative freedom is on the line, starring Andy Warhol, Prince and 2 Live Crew

Written by Hannibal Travis, Professor of Law, Florida International University

Fair Use says it is OK to use this image because this is a commentary on it. Right?U.S. Supreme Court

The internet has opened access to culture. Billions of webpages build on the art, images, music, film, television and writing of the past.

This explosion of content leads to tough questions over ownership of creative work and exclusivity of use....

How parents and schools can get chronically absent kids back in the classroom

Written by Joshua Childs, Assistant Professor of Education Policy, University of Texas at Austin

When students are in school consistently, they learn more, do better and are more likely to graduate from high school.Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post

In the wake of the pandemic, more students are missing school than ever before. But there are steps parents and schools can take to get kids back into class.

In 2019, before the pandemic began, nearly 6%...

RSV: A pediatric disease expert answers 5 questions about the surging outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus

Written by Jennifer Girotto, Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut

Babies and young children are most at risk for serious cases of RSV.Peter Dazeley/The Image Bank via Getty Images

Respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV, sends thousands of children to the hospital every year in the U.S. But during September and October 2022, health professionals across the country have watched an unprecedented...

Young voters are more likely to skip midterm elections than presidential races

Written by Jan Leighley, Professor of Government, American University School of Public Affairs

How many people vote matters, but so does their age.Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Midterm elections typically have lower voter turnout than presidential elections, but there is another crucial difference beyond just how many people vote: how old they are.

If past turnout patterns hold in 2022’s midterm election, most demographic groups will be...

Most Americans do trust scientists and science-based policy-making – freaking out about the minority who don't isn't helpful

Written by John C. Besley, Ellis N. Brandt Professor of Public Relations, Michigan State University

Over three-quarters of U.S. adults say they think scientists act in the public interest.Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Most Americans – 81% – think government investments in scientific research are “worthwhile investments for society over time,” according to the Pew Research Center’s latest survey on...

Building subsidized low-income housing actually lifts property values in a neighborhood, contradicting NIMBY concerns

Written by Anthony W. Orlando, Assistant Professor of Finance, Real Estate and Law, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Today's low-income housing developments, like this one in St. Louis, are of a much higher quality than those of the past. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

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

The big idea

Building multiple publicly subsidized low-income housing developments in a neighborhood doesn’t lower the value of other...

School shootings are already at a record in 2022 – with months still to go

Written by James Densley, Professor of Criminal Justice, Metropolitan State University

St Louis' Central Visual and Performing Arts High School -- the latest scene of school gun violence.AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

As a Michigan teen pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2022, to killing four students in a December 2021 attack, America was learning of yet another school shooting. This time, it was a performance arts high school in St. Louis, where a...

What nonprofit boards need to do to protect the public interest

Written by Beth Gazley, Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University

The best boards meet often.Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images

The people who serve on a nonprofit’s board of directors are legally responsible for its performance. Despite their importance, board members are rarely in the news. When they do make headlines, they may have messed up.

Perhaps the most spectacular example is what...