The Conversation

From CRISPR to glowing proteins to optogenetics – scientists' most powerful technologies have been borrowed from nature

Written by Marc Zimmer, Professor of Chemistry, Connecticut College

Crystal jellyfish contain glowing proteins that scientists repurpose for an endless array of studies.Weili Li/Moment via Getty Images

Watson and Crick, Schrödinger and Einstein all made theoretical breakthroughs that have changed the world’s understanding of science.

Today big, game-changing ideas are less common. New and improved...

What is decentralized finance? An expert on bitcoins and blockchains explains the risks and rewards of DeFi

Written by Kevin Werbach, Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, University of Pennsylvania

Bitcoins may finally be good for more than just speculation and making buttons. AP Photo/Frank Jordans

Fervent proponents of cryptocurrencies and the blockchains they run on have promised a lot.

To them, these technologies represent salvation from corporate power over the internet, government intrusions on liberty, poverty and virtually everything...

3 takeaways from Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott teaming up to fund women's and girls' causes

Written by Tessa Skidmore, Research Associate of Philanthropy, Women's Philanthropy Institute; Doctoral student of Philanthropy, IUPUI

French Gates (left), shown here with Oprah Winfrey, makes gender equity a top priority in her giving.Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott, two of the biggest U.S. donors, have joined forces by funding the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge.

The contest, intended to expand the power and influence of women in the United...

234 scientists read 14,000+ research papers to write the upcoming IPCC climate report – here's what you need to know and why it's a big deal

Written by Stephanie Spera, Assistant Professor of Geography and the Environment, University of Richmond

With wildfires, droughts and extreme storms in many parts of the world, climate warnings are starting to feel personal.Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

This week, hundreds of scientists from around the world are finalizing a report that assesses the state of the global climate. It’s a big deal. The report is used by governments and industries...

Olympic athletes excel at their sports but are susceptible to unproven alternative therapies

Written by Nicholas B. Tiller, Research Fellow (exercise physiology/respiratory medicine), University of California, Los Angeles

Cupping, K-tape and cryotherapy are a few alternative therapies commonly used by athletes.juliawhite/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Australian Olympic swimmer Kyle Chalmers earned a silver medal and his personal-best time in the 100-meter freestyle event at the 2021 Tokyo Games. While most of the world focused on his thrilling performance, others...

234 scientists read 14,000+ research papers to write the IPCC climate report – here's what you need to know and why it's a big deal

Written by Stephanie Spera, Assistant Professor of Geography and the Environment, University of Richmond

With wildfires, droughts and extreme storms in many parts of the world, climate warnings are starting to feel personal.Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

Hundreds of scientists from around the world just finalized a new report assessing the state of the global climate. It’s a big deal. The report is used by governments and industries everywhere...

What is a cult?

Written by Mathew Schmalz, Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross

Many religious groups often get labeled as cults.David Howells/Corbis via Getty Images

The word “cult” is used a lot nowadays.

Former President Donald Trump has been likened to a cult leader. Democratic California congresswoman Jackie Speier recently compared Trump to Jim Jones, the infamous leader of Peoples Temple, an American...

Change to college application represents a step forward in how colleges can better support trans students

Written by Genny Beemyn, Director, Stonewall Center, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Starting August 2021, the Common Application will allow students to choose their gender identity. LPETTET/E+ via Getty Images

Since its inception in 1975, the Common Application, the undergraduate admissions application used by more than 900 colleges, has required students to provide their “sex,” with only “male” and...

Por qué los CDC de Estados Unidos recomiendan a los vacunados usar mascarilla

Written by Peter Chin-Hong, Associate Dean for Regional Campuses, University of California, San Francisco

Estados Unidos ya recomienda que todas las personas que se encuentren en zonas con altas tasas de infección por COVID-19 utilicen mascarillas en espacios públicos cerrados, independientemente de su estado de vacunación.Mario Tama/Getty Images

Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos...

Moon lacked a magnetic field for nearly all its history – new research resolves mystery sparked by rocks brought back on Apollo

Written by John Tarduno, Professor of Geophysics, University of Rochester

Scientists have been studying lunar samples brought back from Apollo missions to understand the geologic history of the Moon. NASA

Surrounding Earth is a powerful magnetic field created by swirling liquid iron in the planet’s core. Earth’s magnetic field may be nearly as old as the Earth itself – and stands in stark contrast to...