The Conversation

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...

Giant sea bass are thriving in Mexican waters – scientific research that found them to be critically endangered stopped at the US-Mexico border

Written by Arturo Ramírez-Valdez, Researcher, University of California San Diego

Giant sea bass are listed as a critically endangered species. Maru Brito, CC BY-ND

I was looking at the seafloor, focused on identifying fish species as I normally did when diving off of the California coast, when suddenly I felt something large above me. When I turned my head I saw a giant fish – more than 6 feet (2 meters) long –...

Formerly incarcerated teens share their research and ideas on how to improve the juvenile justice system

Written by Shiv R. Desai, Associate professor of education, University of New Mexico

Youth in New Mexico used their own experiences with arrest and incarceration to advocate for others. Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

“They treat us like animals.”

“I was called a menace to society by two judges.”

These are just two of the comments made by incarcerated teens during focus group interviews...

4 low-cost ways to create safe public spaces where all kids can play

Written by Renee Umstattd Meyer, Professor of Public Health, Baylor University

Play is especially important during the summer months, when kids tend to be less active.Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Outdoor play is critical for child development – it decreases stress, increases communication and social skills, attention and physical activity, and enhances physical development.

During COVID-19, opportunities...

Lyme disease protection: No vaccine yet, but an antibody shot could soon provide a season of immunity

Written by Mark Klempner, Professor of Medicine and Executive Vice Chancellor for MassBiologics, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Ticks can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease.jwilkinson/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Lyme disease has become an insidious epidemic in the United States. Caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, it can lead to heart problems, meningitis or arthritis if left untreated. It is the most common tick-borne illness in the...