The Conversation

How to support grieving loved ones at the holidays

By J. Kim Penberthy, The Conversation

Holidays and special occasions can amplify the pain, leaving those grieving feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

When hurricanes hit, flooded industrial sites and chemical releases are a silent, toxic threat

By James R. Elliott, Dominic Boyer, Phylicia Lee Brown, The Conversation

Hundreds of industrial facilities with toxic pollutants are in Hurricane Milton’s path as it heads toward Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded communities across the Southeast.

In mountain areas flooded by Hurricane Helene, these health risks are rising

By Jennifer Horney, The Conversation

Contaminated water is one of the leading health risks, but residents also face harm to mental health, stress that exacerbates chronic diseases and several other threats.

The history of spectacular Olympic opening ceremonies

By Catherine Baker, The Conversation

These flashy events, which kick off each games, aim to tell fresh stories about the host city and country, and set new creative standards for live mega-events.

Digging in the sand can be deadly. No, really

By Stephen P. Leatherman, The Conversation

Research suggests more people die from sand burial suffocation than from shark attacks. Here's why.

What to watch for in Trump trial’s closing arguments, from a law school professor

By Jules Epstein, The Conversation

For both prosecutors and defense attorneys, the closing arguments serve to tell the jury why the evidence is believable or not, why and how the facts are linked or not and, most importantly, why their decision to either acquit or…

Americans leave a huge chunk of change at airport security checkpoints − here’s what it means for the penny debate

By Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation

Should the U.S. get rid of pennies, nickels and dimes? The debate has gone on for years. Many people argue for keeping coins on economic-fairness grounds. Others call for eliminating them because the government loses money minting low-value coins.

Did a tapeworm really eat part of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s brain?

By Adam Taylor, The Conversation

Kennedy had been suffering from cognitive difficulties. Doctors initially suspected that he had a brain tumour, but it turned out to be a parasite infection – specifically, a pork tapeworm larva lodged in his brain.

Why extreme cold weather events still happen in a warming world

By Mathew Barlow, The Conversation

While the world can expect fewer severe cold events as average temperatures rise, people still need to be prepared for wintry blasts. An atmospheric and climate scientist explains why.

Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution. Here’s how to clean your clothes more sustainably

By Judith Weis, The Conversation

Textiles shed microfibers while they are manufactured, worn and disposed of, but especially when they are washed. A single wash load can release several million microfibers.