is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. Ona mission “to promote truthful information and strengthen journalism by unlocking the rich diversity of academic research for audiences across America,” The Conversationpublishes short articlesby academics on timely topics related to their research. CU Boulder provides funding as a member of The Conversation U.S.Learn more about the partnership and how and why to write for The Conversation.

hypersonic missile

How hypersonic missiles work and the unique threats they pose

April 15, 2022

Russia’s use of hypersonic missiles in Ukraine has put the weapons in the news. Next-generation versions under development could dramatically alter national and global security. Aerospace engineer Iain Boyd shares on The Conversation.

SARS-CoV-2 virus

How does the immune system mobilize in response to COVID-19? 5 essential reads

March 18, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought immunology terms that are typically relegated to textbooks into our everyday vernacular. Featuring three CU experts, look back at The Conversation stories that helped us make sense of the ever-evolving science.

Graphic illustration of young people on phones and laptops

What teens see in closed online spaces such as the Discord app

March 16, 2022

Initially a service to let gamers voice and text chat while playing, most of Discord’s current users build and maintain online communities—though not always very big ones. CU expert Brianna Dym shares on The Conversation.

Patriarch of Russia Kirill and President Vladimir Putin at a monastery

Russian church leader blames invasion on those who flout ‘God’s law’

March 11, 2022

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church suggested the violation of “God’s law” provided divine license for the war against Ukraine. But CU expert and Bible scholar Sam Boyd says taking biblical law out of its historical context doesn’t work. Read on The Conversation.

Bible

Why translating ‘God’s law’ to government law isn’t easy

March 1, 2022

The relationship between the Bible and life in the U.S. continues to make headlines. Expert Sam Boyd discusses how the Bible, its laws and ancient debates were set within a complex vision of society at that time. Read on The Conversation.

The moon in space

A rocket is going to crash into the moon—what can it tell us about impacts in space?

March 1, 2022

On March 4, a spent rocket booster will smack into the surface of the moon. The accidental experiment will hopefully shed light on the mysterious physics of planetary impact. Expert Paul Hayne shares on The Conversation.

Group of protesters

What America’s voting rights activists can learn from past movements for civil rights

Feb. 7, 2022

Digging deeply into the nation’s past can help illuminate the racial setbacks facing the U.S. today. Anthony Siracusa, senior director of inclusive culture and initiatives, shares on The Conversation.

Posters of healthcare worker

When will thepandemic end? 4 essential reads on past pandemics, what the future couldbring

Jan. 27, 2022

When—if ever—is it realistic to expect SARS-CoV-2 will recede from the headlines and daily life? Read four essential stories from The Conversation archive.

Dog nose

From odor to action—how smells are processed in the brain, influence behavior

Jan. 25, 2022

Understanding how the brain translates smells into behavior change can help advance search and rescue technology and treatments for neurological conditions. Professor John Crimaldi and colleagues share on The Conversation.

COVID variants

Alpha then delta and now omicron—6 questions answered as COVIDcases surge again

Jan. 24, 2022

People are buzzing with questions about the omicron variant and whether it could help usher in herd immunity. A team of CU Boulder virologists deciphers the latest findings on The Conversation.

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