The Conversation U.S.

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Last Notes

2026-04-16 08:20:30 CEST

GLP-1 ads are everywhere, but safety researchers urge caution about alternate, cheaper versions:
Beware:
🚩 No prescription required
🚩 “Same as Ozempic” or “compounded” labels
🚩 Sketchy pharmacies or no U.S. address
🚩 Cheap deals that seem too easy
Some of these products aren’t FDA-approved, and some include ingredients that have been linked to serious side effects.
https://theconversation.com/ads-for-glp-1-drugs-are-flooding-the-internet-heres-how-to-know-if-its-safe-to-buy-them-online-277369

2026-04-16 06:12:29 CEST

Iran’s military has a unique mix:
High-tech drones.
Active hackers.
But aging tanks and decades-old gear.
Over decades, it was built to fight an asymmetric war on its own terms.
https://theconversation.com/irans-military-forces-combine-state-of-the-art-drones-and-hackers-with-out-of-date-conventional-weapons-280547

2026-04-16 06:00:34 CEST

Presidential records are the public's property, according to a law signed by Jimmy Carter in 1978,
The Justice Department recently issued guidance that the law is unconstitutional, reverting to a time when presidents could do what they wanted with their papers, including burning them and selling them.
Expert analysis:
https://theconversation.com/a-justice-department-opinion-arguing-the-presidential-records-act-is-unconstitutional-could-revert-the-nation-to-a-time-when-presidents-freely-burned-their-papers-280078

2026-04-16 05:14:56 CEST

Pentagon prayer services. First Amendment questions. A Supreme Court that may allow it.
We break it down in a Q&A with a former federal judge who decided an important case about the limits of government endorsing a Christian worldview:
https://theconversation.com/why-pete-hegseths-pentagon-prayer-services-challenge-traditional-notions-of-separation-of-church-and-state-but-might-be-blessed-by-the-roberts-supreme-court-280535

2026-04-16 04:00:34 CEST

- reply

Read more:
https://theconversation.com/using-atomic-nuclei-could-allow-scientists-to-read-time-more-precisely-than-ever-what-this-research-could-mean-for-future-clocks-272017

2026-04-16 04:00:33 CEST

Scientists are working on a new kind of clock based on the atomic nuclei of thorium-229 that could be even more precise than today’s best timekeeping ⏰
(Ultraprecise clocks aren’t just about improving your alarms, but also play key roles in navigation and studying whether the fundamental constants of nature truly remain constant over long periods of time).
https://theconversation.com/using-atomic-nuclei-could-allow-scientists-to-read-time-more-precisely-than-ever-what-this-research-could-mean-for-future-clocks-272017
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/411/913/533/673/817/original/702003a782b94e58.jpeg

2026-04-15 18:00:15 CEST

Energy insecurity is no longer limited to low-income households.
Record high numbers of working-age adults and even homeowners in efficient homes were struggling to pay energy bills in the latest data – long before recent inflation.
https://theconversation.com/new-federal-figures-reveal-1-in-3-us-households-struggle-to-pay-energy-bills-but-the-reality-is-likely-even-worse-279627
https://theconversation.com/new-federal-figures-reveal-1-in-3-us-households-struggle-to-pay-energy-bills-but-the-reality-is-likely-even-worse-279627

2026-04-15 13:00:21 CEST

Debates over gender identity could weaken global efforts to protect victims of violence.
Important read:
https://theconversation.com/how-debate-about-gender-identity-could-undermine-global-efforts-to-protect-victims-of-violence-267177

2026-04-15 12:06:06 CEST

A viral $22 smoothie sounds unreasonable. But “A $22 smoothie is never just a smoothie. It’s what people seek out when they need permission to feel OK.”
https://theconversation.com/why-americans-are-buying-22-smoothies-despite-feeling-terrible-about-the-economy-279425
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/408/160/471/129/649/original/47650c412e2530c3.jpeg

2026-04-15 12:02:14 CEST

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https://theconversation.com/standards-based-grading-offers-a-different-model-of-assessing-student-learning-in-the-classroom-277792

2026-04-15 12:02:12 CEST

Standards-based grading focuses on whether students actually learn the material instead of accumulating points from homework and tests. School districts in Maine, New Mexico, Iowa and Oregon are making the shift.
https://theconversation.com/standards-based-grading-offers-a-different-model-of-assessing-student-learning-in-the-classroom-277792
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/408/144/805/172/617/original/f28d5637d4829d5b.png

2026-04-15 10:00:25 CEST

Some antibiotics can actually trigger bacteria to release inflammatory particles, potentially making infections harder to treat.
https://theconversation.com/antibiotics-can-trigger-bacteria-to-release-bubbles-of-inflammation-tinder-making-it-harder-to-treat-infection-277818
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/407/666/200/492/489/original/a62bdaabf99bee96.jpeg

2026-04-15 05:34:11 CEST

Talks between the U.S. and Iran failed, and now a U.S. blockade of ships linked to Iran is making a future deal even harder.
https://theconversation.com/the-islamabad-talks-were-doomed-to-failure-and-hormuz-blockade-has-thrown-another-obstacle-to-any-iran-us-deal-280553

2026-04-15 00:00:15 CEST

¡Ándale! Speedy Gonzales is racing back to the big screen 🐭
Once pulled for stereotypes, the iconic mouse is back and is expected to be well-equipped to bring cultural awareness to the animated feature (even if Speedy continues to sport his big, floppy sombrero).
https://theconversation.com/andale-arriba-speedy-gonzales-set-to-make-his-triumphant-return-to-the-silver-screen-278753
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/405/305/892/312/738/original/9413549112b175da.mp4

2026-04-14 22:00:08 CEST

Rural hospital closures are rising across #Pennsylvania and the U.S., driven by funding cuts, low patient volumes and structural costs.
https://theconversation.com/rural-hospitals-are-closing-across-pennsylvania-and-the-us-the-reasons-probably-arent-what-you-think-275304

2026-04-14 21:02:04 CEST

It’s been 10 years since a massive flood hit outside Houston, but if it had struck the city center, the damage would’ve been far worse.
Researchers say cities need to plan for worst-case floods, not just the most likely ones.
https://theconversation.com/what-if-texas-destructive-tax-day-flood-had-centered-on-inner-houston-instead-its-why-cities-should-plan-for-the-improbable-279964

2026-04-14 20:00:08 CEST

School boards have gained attention for taking on controversial issues, such as transgender students participating in sports and library book bans, but much of their work is administrative.
A scholar of educational leadership explains:
https://theconversation.com/district-school-boards-have-become-political-hotbeds-for-book-bans-and-more-heres-what-they-actually-do-279953

2026-04-14 19:57:36 CEST

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Taken together, the Trump–Leo exchange highlights a familiar tension: when popes speak on global issues, it’s rarely seen as neutral.
https://theconversation.com/trumps-exchange-with-pope-leo-reflects-deep-rooted-tensions-between-the-vatican-and-the-united-states-4-essential-reads-280510
https://theconversation.com/trumps-exchange-with-pope-leo-reflects-deep-rooted-tensions-between-the-vatican-and-the-united-states-4-essential-reads-280510

2026-04-14 19:57:32 CEST

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The pope doesn’t fit neatly into U.S. political labels. His role is grounded in moral and theological principles, not any single political agenda.
https://theconversation.com/is-pope-leo-xiv-liberal-or-conservative-why-these-labels-dont-work-for-popes-256180
https://theconversation.com/is-pope-leo-xiv-liberal-or-conservative-why-these-labels-dont-work-for-popes-256180

2026-04-14 19:57:28 CEST

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Before Pope Leo XIV, there was Pope Francis who shifted how the church approaches power.
He emphasized independence, and consistently pushed for peace, even when it drew criticism.
https://theconversation.com/how-pope-francis-changed-the-catholic-churchs-foreign-policy-255051
https://theconversation.com/how-pope-francis-changed-the-catholic-churchs-foreign-policy-255051

2026-04-14 19:57:25 CEST

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The U.S. and the Vatican haven’t always been close.
Formal diplomatic relations weren’t established until 1984.
From our archive but great historical context: https://theconversation.com/why-should-we-care-about-pope-francis-visit-to-the-us-47799
https://theconversation.com/why-should-we-care-about-pope-francis-visit-to-the-us-47799

2026-04-14 19:57:23 CEST

Trump’s clash with Pope Leo isn’t just a one-off moment; it reflects long-standing tensions between the U.S. and the Vatican.
4 key takeaways (thread) ⬇️
https://theconversation.com/trumps-exchange-with-pope-leo-reflects-deep-rooted-tensions-between-the-vatican-and-the-united-states-4-essential-reads-280510
https://theconversation.com/trumps-exchange-with-pope-leo-reflects-deep-rooted-tensions-between-the-vatican-and-the-united-states-4-essential-reads-280510

2026-04-14 19:57:23 CEST

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Anti-Catholic sentiment in the U.S. has deep roots.
In the 1800s, many Americans feared Catholics were more loyal to the pope than the country — and even saw them as a political threat.
https://theconversation.com/why-it-was-once-unthinkable-for-the-president-to-be-seen-with-the-pope-75907
https://theconversation.com/why-it-was-once-unthinkable-for-the-president-to-be-seen-with-the-pope-75907

2026-04-14 18:00:10 CEST

At least 18% of gray whales documented in San Francisco Bay between 2018 and 2025 later died there. Ship strikes are the leading cause and the population isn’t rebounding as it once did.
Two marine biologists explain why this isn’t normal:
https://theconversation.com/gray-whales-are-dying-in-san-francisco-bay-at-an-alarming-rate-this-isnt-normal-280151

2026-04-14 16:00:36 CEST

Medicaid enrollment surged during the pandemic, then tumbled during the ‘Great Unwinding’. A health economist who studies the effects of public policy on insurance coverage looks at how paperwork and particular state policies influence who is still covered.
https://theconversation.com/25-million-people-lost-medicaid-after-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-state-policies-shaped-who-stayed-covered-277599

2026-04-14 14:58:46 CEST

2026-04-14 12:30:09 CEST

Sleeping with your dog in the same room could be hurting your sleep quality.
Good news for cat people: The research team found no evidence for a negative effect on sleep when co-sleeping with cats.
https://theconversation.com/could-sharing-a-bedroom-with-your-pets-be-keeping-you-from-getting-a-good-nights-sleep-226216
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/402/592/715/701/752/original/3e24d98afa0bf75c.jpg

2026-04-14 10:00:05 CEST

Photos taken by the Artemis II astronauts create a powerful, authentic connection—something technology alone can’t replicate. By prioritizing human perspective, the astronauts brought deeper meaning to what we saw, according to a professor of photographic sciences.
https://theconversation.com/artemis-ii-crew-brought-a-human-eye-and-storytelling-vision-to-the-photos-they-took-on-their-mission-280394

2026-04-14 08:00:07 CEST

AI models display language patterns that we read as personality: supportive or dismissive, playful or formal, bold or cautious. A researcher in human-AI collaboration looks at the impact:
https://theconversation.com/ais-have-personalities-heres-how-they-affect-you-more-deeply-than-you-may-realize-277359

2026-04-14 06:00:07 CEST

Push through, stay strong, fight back—resilience is often framed as toughness and grit. But a cancer survivor who wrote the book “Falling Forward: The New Science of Resilience and Personal Transformation” argues resilience is really about integrating loss into your life story—and moving forward.
https://theconversation.com/bouncing-back-is-a-myth-resilience-means-integrating-hard-experiences-into-your-life-story-not-ignoring-them-275069

2026-04-14 04:00:04 CEST

Legal recreational cannabis use comes with an increase in innovation – but that focuses on commercial products, not clinical trials. Economists studying how institutional changes affect innovation explain:
https://theconversation.com/cannabis-legalization-spurs-innovation-but-not-always-in-ways-that-benefit-patients-or-public-health-277422

2026-04-14 01:11:29 CEST

Florida's population surged by nearly 3 million residents between 2010-2020, fragmenting the remaining habitats for bears, panthers and other wildlife. A new mapping tool aims to help planners balance growth with ecological connectivity.
https://theconversation.com/how-a-new-mapping-tool-helps-florida-planners-protect-wildlife-corridors-as-the-state-grows-276833

2026-04-13 16:12:06 CEST

- reply

We’ll miss having Naomi on the job 24/7 — and the smart, thoughtful editing she brought to every story.
But she’s still be editing and even making videos with us. If you enjoyed the articles in this thread, subscribe to our weekly politics newsletter to keep up with her work:
https://theconversation.com/us/newsletters/subscribe

2026-04-13 16:11:42 CEST

- reply

Naomi especially appreciated bringing the perspectives of the humanities to today’s challenges.
Here’s a piece she commissioned from a poet and classicist, marking the second anniversary of the January 6th insurrection.
https://theconversation.com/ancient-greece-had-extreme-polarization-and-civil-strife-too-how-thucydides-can-help-us-understand-jan-6-and-its-aftermath-196928

2026-04-13 16:11:22 CEST

- reply

What journalism can – and can’t – do in a democracy:
https://theconversation.com/what-should-journalists-do-when-the-facts-dont-matter-243197

2026-04-13 16:11:10 CEST

- reply

The story you often hear about Black men and fatherhood is incomplete.
Years of research show many are deeply committed partners and fathers — even if media narratives suggest otherwise.
https://theconversation.com/the-reality-of-black-mens-love-lives-and-marriages-is-very-different-than-whats-usually-shown-on-tv-i-spent-years-actually-talking-to-them-151166

2026-04-13 16:10:59 CEST

- reply

From COVID days: George Washington likely would have worn a mask out of respect for his community and the dead. He valued self-awareness and self-control – qualities this story highlighted, and one Naomi especially appreciated editing.
https://theconversation.com/george-washington-would-have-so-worn-a-mask-139718

2026-04-13 16:10:51 CEST

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From earlier this year when federal officials lied over and over again about fatal encounters between citizens and federal agents in Minneapolis.
Warnings from Hannah Arendt – repeated government lying makes it impossible for citizens to think and judge:
https://theconversation.com/repeated-government-lying-warned-hannah-arendt-makes-it-impossible-for-citizens-to-think-and-to-judge-274340

2026-04-13 16:10:38 CEST

- reply

About the 1973 War Powers Act:
It emerged from a bipartisan coalition in Congress that was dismayed at President Nixon’s secret bombing of Cambodia and waging war without Congressional authorization.
https://theconversation.com/congress-once-fought-to-limit-a-presidents-war-powers-more-than-50-years-later-its-successors-are-less-willing-to-assert-their-authority-277435

2026-04-13 16:10:26 CEST

After 8 years with The Conversation, our colleague Naomi Schalit is giving up her leadership of our politics and democracy desk and downshifting to part-time.
She covered the beat with clarity, precision and care, helping to bring thoughtful, research-backed stories to readers.
Here’s a fun pic with Naomi (in the middle with a scarf) and the rest of the team in 2019 - many of these folks are still on the team!
Take a look at some of our favorite pieces she edited with scholars over the years:
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/397/794/424/445/500/original/d660a0bba1ffd85f.png

2026-04-13 14:02:04 CEST

Many stories of women at Treblinka went untold for decades.
80 years later, new research is finally bringing their suffering, resilience and role in the uprising into the historical record.
https://theconversation.com/80-years-later-scholarship-is-breaking-silence-on-womens-suffering-and-strength-at-treblinka-including-their-role-in-its-uprising-276851
#Holocaust #YomHaShoah

2026-04-13 06:00:04 CEST

Brown recluse venom works like a “lawn mower” 🕷️clipping molecules off cells and triggering tissue damage.
https://theconversation.com/how-does-spider-venom-damage-human-cells-researchers-uncover-the-killer-mechanism-of-recluse-spider-toxin-279903

2026-04-13 04:00:06 CEST

Philadelphia's sanctuary movement began in 1984 when churches hid Salvadoran refugees fleeing civil war and death squads.
Four decades later, religious congregations and community activists continue protecting undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement.
https://theconversation.com/philadelphias-40-year-history-of-protecting-undocumented-immigrants-began-with-churches-hiding-refugees-from-el-salvador-278756

2026-04-13 00:00:05 CEST

2026-04-12 20:20:04 CEST

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“Chances are it isn’t really about the product. It’s about the feeling of choosing something when the world feels out of hand.
A $22 smoothie is never just a smoothie. It’s what people seek out when they need permission to feel OK.”
https://theconversation.com/why-americans-are-buying-22-smoothies-despite-feeling-terrible-about-the-economy-279425

2026-04-12 20:20:04 CEST

When life feels out of control and the economy is weak, people don’t stop spending but they do spend differently.
Instead of big splurges, it’s $22 smoothies, organic snacks and “wellness” buys — small, self-soothing treats that feel easier to justify as “investing” in yourself.
https://theconversation.com/why-americans-are-buying-22-smoothies-despite-feeling-terrible-about-the-economy-279425
https://theconversation.com/why-americans-are-buying-22-smoothies-despite-feeling-terrible-about-the-economy-279425

2026-04-12 20:00:05 CEST

A few US towns have banned cigarette sales to anyone born after a specific date, and several states are considering this law. A psychologist who has studied smoking attitudes for decades looks at why such measures face stiff resistance.
Do you think a generational ban would work in your community?
https://theconversation.com/tobacco-is-still-one-of-the-worlds-top-killers-here-are-the-key-obstacles-to-enacting-generational-smoking-bans-278018
https://theconversation.com/tobacco-is-still-one-of-the-worlds-top-killers-here-are-the-key-obstacles-to-enacting-generational-smoking-bans-278018

2026-04-12 18:00:10 CEST

Measles cases in the U.S. nearly doubled in 2025 from the peak in 2019.
Vaccination rates continue to decline.
Public health researchers explain what communities can do to protect children.
https://theconversation.com/what-declining-vaccination-rates-mean-for-your-family-and-what-you-can-do-277469

2026-04-12 16:00:08 CEST

1976: A Christian college rejected Title IX, and the Supreme Court largely agreed
1988: Congress expands civil rights law to counter the ruling
Today: Trump administration is suing Harvard and UCLA using that law.
The decades-long fight over how much authority the federal government has over colleges that take federal funding.
https://theconversation.com/trump-administrations-lawsuits-against-harvard-and-ucla-have-roots-in-a-decades-old-fight-over-civil-rights-law-276586

2026-04-12 13:48:09 CEST

Asking 3 key questions about health care prices – about generics, financial assistance and total out-of-pocket costs – can help you get more affordable care without compromising quality.
https://theconversation.com/health-care-sticker-shock-has-become-the-norm-but-talking-to-your-doctor-about-costs-can-help-you-rein-it-in-262990

2026-04-12 13:32:06 CEST

The US war in Iran has weakened the country's global position in 4 key ways (including eroding influence in the Middle East and boosting China and Russia.)
https://theconversation.com/4-ways-the-war-in-iran-has-weakened-the-united-states-in-the-great-power-game-279069

2026-04-12 13:30:04 CEST

Thousands still live by Kazakhstan’s former Soviet nuclear test site, where 450+ bombs were detonated (a combined force equal to ~2,500 Hiroshimas!)
Residents have built tight-knit communities despite the contamination and long-term neglect, and many reject being seen as victims.
See photos of daily life from a researcher who lived in the community ⬇️
https://theconversation.com/mutual-aid-and-self-sufficiency-are-key-to-life-near-ussrs-contaminated-nuclear-test-zone-in-kazakhstan-260862
https://theconversation.com/mutual-aid-and-self-sufficiency-are-key-to-life-near-ussrs-contaminated-nuclear-test-zone-in-kazakhstan-260862

2026-04-12 13:21:45 CEST

More than 150 years ago, author Jules Verne imagine a Moon mission shaped by politics, ambition and global attention 🌕
Now, after the successful Artemis mission, it’s a reminder of just how much his 19th-century novel “From the Earth to the Moon” got right.
https://theconversation.com/artemis-ii-moonshot-reflects-a-spacefaring-vision-present-in-jules-vernes-19th-century-novel-280252

2026-04-12 08:12:06 CEST

From sandwich-stealing monkeys to trash-diving “bin chickens,” urban wildlife is getting bolder, and more alike throughout the entire world.
Turns out, humans are basically training animals to be tiny food thieves.
https://theconversation.com/city-animals-act-in-the-same-brazen-ways-around-the-world-279977
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/390/253/375/694/674/original/8623f6db30a0a8b8.jpeg

2026-04-12 06:00:10 CEST

Laws that allow health care professionals to refuse to treat LGBTQ+ patients have cascading effects.
A new study found that the ‘conscientious objection’ laws were associated with significant harms to LGBQ+ adults, including a 28% decline in HIV testing and a worsening of self-rated health.
https://theconversation.com/doctors-can-refuse-to-treat-lgbtq-patients-in-several-states-these-religious-exemption-laws-lead-to-drops-in-hiv-testing-277828
https://theconversation.com/doctors-can-refuse-to-treat-lgbtq-patients-in-several-states-these-religious-exemption-laws-lead-to-drops-in-hiv-testing-277828

2026-04-12 04:00:05 CEST

Political decisions shape local economies. An example: An anti-corruption crackdown in China reduced traffic at high-end restaurants near government offices in Beijing and led to restaurants spreading out around the city.
https://theconversation.com/what-a-chinese-crackdown-on-corruption-meant-for-beijings-high-end-restaurant-market-275168

2026-04-12 03:00:05 CEST

You can cut your water use (shorter showers, less lawn watering) — and it still likely won’t be enough to keep your city in a desert from running short in the long run.
Climate change is moving faster than water savings can keep up.
https://theconversation.com/water-conservation-works-but-climate-change-is-outpacing-it-phoenix-denver-and-las-vegas-offer-a-glimpse-of-the-future-279837

2026-04-12 00:00:07 CEST

Florida universities are partnering with ICE, giving campus police power to question and arrest students over immigration status.
Two professors there warn it’s creating “an intensifying climate of uncertainty and anxiety” on campus.
https://theconversation.com/we-teach-at-a-florida-university-that-agreed-to-cooperate-with-ice-and-we-worry-that-it-is-making-our-students-feel-less-safe-277911

2026-04-11 20:00:08 CEST

Climate change is outpacing water conservation efforts in the Southwest.
Cities like Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas have been having great success with reducing water usage.
But climate change will produce severe shortages that demand management alone cannot solve.
https://theconversation.com/water-conservation-works-but-climate-change-is-outpacing-it-phoenix-denver-and-las-vegas-offer-a-glimpse-of-the-future-279837

2026-04-11 18:00:08 CEST

It’s not honey bees vs. wild bees, according to a team of entomologists. 🐝
It’s all bees vs. everything threatening them.
https://theconversation.com/its-ok-to-love-all-the-bees-the-honey-bees-too-279849

2026-04-11 17:19:06 CEST

Some people blame honey bees for native bee declines, but the evidence doesn’t back that up.
All bees are struggling from habitat loss to climate change, and they’re all essential to the food we eat every day.
https://theconversation.com/its-ok-to-love-all-the-bees-the-honey-bees-too-279849
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/386/741/941/707/216/original/db113fb9093021fb.jpeg

2026-04-11 16:00:08 CEST

A newly discovered meteor shower reveals an asteroid being torn apart by the Sun's intense heat, invisible to traditional telescopes. A planetary scientist explains what he found:
https://theconversation.com/i-found-a-new-meteor-shower-and-it-comes-from-an-asteroid-getting-broken-down-by-the-sun-277557

2026-04-11 12:30:04 CEST

Trump isn't lying about grocery prices and tariffs — he's expressing contempt for the people who must live with the consequences, argues a political philosopher.
https://theconversation.com/as-a-philosopher-im-convinced-that-trump-isnt-lying-hes-doing-something-worse-279093

2026-04-11 10:00:07 CEST

Trump's White House design changes erase the "republican simplicity" that Thomas Jefferson championed as a symbol of egalitarian ideals.
https://theconversation.com/in-his-efforts-to-remake-federal-architecture-trump-repudiates-the-republican-ideals-that-have-long-informed-it-276565

2026-04-11 08:00:07 CEST

Beware of “magic mushrooms” 🍄
Psilocybin use is rising fast, but research and regulation are still catching up. That means many people are using psychedelic mushrooms without clear guidance on risks or safe use.
https://theconversation.com/psilocybin-mushrooms-are-going-mainstream-but-scientific-research-and-regulation-lag-behind-277472

2026-04-11 06:00:06 CEST

You can’t “find yourself” in isolation.
The good life isn’t solo. Your friends are basically your mirrors (and sometimes your reality check), according to a philosophical counselor.
Tag a friend who has helped you know yourself better ⬇️❤️
https://theconversation.com/the-good-life-requires-two-things-self-knowledge-and-friends-you-cant-have-one-without-the-other-277935
https://theconversation.com/the-good-life-requires-two-things-self-knowledge-and-friends-you-cant-have-one-without-the-other-277935

2026-04-11 04:00:06 CEST

AI can now autonomously design and run thousands of biological experiments, but the regulatory systems meant to oversee this capability have fallen dangerously behind.
The gap between what’s possible (like making a dangerous virus spread more easily) and what’s regulated is growing, and that’s a real concern.
https://theconversation.com/ai-can-design-and-run-thousands-of-lab-experiments-without-human-hands-humanity-isnt-ready-for-the-new-risks-this-brings-to-biology-279191

2026-04-11 00:00:31 CEST

Pope Leo XIV begins his Africa trip Monday with each stop carrying a clear message: peace.
From interfaith dialogue in Algeria to unity in Cameroon, reconciliation in Angola and hope in Equatorial Guinea, the visit reflects how the Pope believes faith can heal real-world division.
https://theconversation.com/pope-leo-xivs-africa-journey-how-each-stop-reflects-his-message-of-peace-279217

2026-04-10 22:47:19 CEST

US-#Iran #ceasefire:
A former diplomat outlines three possible paths — from war resuming to a longer pause or even (with many difficulties) a peace deal.
Helpful explainer about what could come next:
https://theconversation.com/us-ceasefire-with-iran-whats-next-a-former-diplomat-explains-3-possible-scenarios-280232

2026-04-10 18:00:32 CEST

What Brazil got right on vaccines: strong public trust, local outreach and business leaders getting behind public health when it was under political attack.
Lessons the US could use:
https://theconversation.com/from-a-vaccine-mascot-to-business-leadership-lessons-for-the-us-from-brazils-public-health-system-in-building-public-trust-and-keeping-it-267611

2026-04-10 16:01:08 CEST

Michigan schools are split on phones: about half ban them all day, the rest allow them outside class.
Now, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a statewide ban, the question everybody's asking is:
What actually works best for learning?
https://theconversation.com/we-collected-data-on-how-779-michigan-school-districts-are-regulating-student-cellphones-here-are-the-trends-275544
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2026-04-10 12:00:48 CEST

To turn a ceasefire into a peace agreement would mean overcoming a decade of shifting regional alliances, growing rivalries and continuous conflict. It’s a narrow path for diplomacy.
https://theconversation.com/after-ceasefire-negotiating-a-lasting-deal-with-iran-would-require-overcoming-regional-rivalries-and-strategic-incoherence-280243
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/379/828/074/237/348/original/0fb3d9368c407a84.jpeg

2026-04-10 00:03:44 CEST

A new approach could dramatically improve ultrasound screening for breast cancer.
Combining ultrasound with near-infrared light can help patients avoid the anxiety and cost of a biopsy from an inconclusive result. An engineer who focuses on improving imaging technology explains:
https://theconversation.com/about-80-of-breast-cancer-biopsies-turn-out-benign-new-imaging-tool-promises-clearer-diagnoses-and-fewer-biopsies-277070

2026-04-09 18:19:44 CEST

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The team behind Local News Day has made it easy to find local newsrooms near you:
https://localnewsday.org/newsrooms/

2026-04-09 18:19:27 CEST

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While The Conversation covers stories from around and world, our Local News initiative highlights research and expert analysis focused on five communities across the U.S.
Learn more:
https://theconversation.com/us/local

2026-04-09 18:18:57 CEST

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Technical.ly, a site that started in Philadelphia to cover innovation economies, picked up our story on making #datacenters more sustainable:
https://technical.ly/workforce/sustainable-cooling-tech-data-centers-guest-post/
http://Technical.ly

2026-04-09 18:18:44 CEST

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Colorado Newsline (part of the States Newsroom group) republished this story on looming federal benefit cuts and what Colorado is doing to protect families with children:
https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/03/17/colorado-protect-families-with-children/

2026-04-09 18:18:31 CEST

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Bridge Detroit picked up our story on participatory budgeting:
https://www.bridgedetroit.com/detroit-participatory-budgeting-process-sheffield/

2026-04-09 18:18:29 CEST

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Westword — a longtime independent Denver publication covering local news, culture and politics — republished our story on telling the hard truths about Black history in Colorado.
https://www.westword.com/news/honoring-colorado-black-history-telling-hard-stories-40849438/

2026-04-09 18:18:27 CEST

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The Invading Sea — a nonpartisan source for news and analysis on climate issues affecting Florida — republished our story on how the Iran war could impact oil prices and speed up the shift to renewables.
What it could mean for energy costs:
https://www.theinvadingsea.com/2026/04/05/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-oil-prices-renewable-energy-middle-east-solar-wind-turkey-cop31/

2026-04-09 18:18:26 CEST

Happy Local News Day! 🎉📰📱
Today is a reminder of the vital role local journalism plays in keeping communities informed, connected and accountable.
Across the country, local newsrooms are working every day to cover the stories that matter most, close to home, and we’re working to support them through our local news initiative. Here are just a few of the many journalists doing great work (thread) ⬇️
https://assets.newsie.social/media_attachments/files/116/375/650/682/525/078/original/f07b1da4a6669840.png

2026-04-09 12:30:01 CEST

K.C. Pharmaceuticals was flagged by the FDA in 2023 for failing to ensure its eye drops were made in sterile conditions.
The company's current massive recall suggests it ignored those recommendations.
https://theconversation.com/massive-eye-drop-recall-reflects-ongoing-issues-with-manufacturing-and-fda-inspection-279971

2026-04-09 12:03:00 CEST

It matters how a president speaks.
Because their words don’t just persuade — they set the boundaries of what feels possible, acceptable… even inevitable.
That’s how the unthinkable starts to sound normal, according to a scholar of presidential rhetoric.
https://theconversation.com/presidential-words-can-turn-the-unthinkable-into-the-thinkable-for-better-or-for-worse-280126
https://theconversation.com/presidential-words-can-turn-the-unthinkable-into-the-thinkable-for-better-or-for-worse-280126

2026-04-09 10:00:02 CEST

Israeli calls to occupy or annex southern Lebanon revive a long-standing playbook that hasn’t worked in the past, and that risks more instability ahead.
https://theconversation.com/israeli-threats-to-occupy-or-annex-south-lebanon-dust-off-a-decades-old-playbook-279704

2026-04-09 10:00:01 CEST

Only about 1 in 5 drugs successfully reaches patients without serious side effects, and half of those don't work as intended.
AI is changing that by helping researchers identify which proteins actually drive disease.
https://theconversation.com/ai-is-reengineering-drug-discovery-by-speeding-up-testing-and-scanning-petabytes-of-data-for-connections-between-diseases-274693

2026-04-09 08:00:01 CEST

The Declaration of Independence did more than just declare freedom, it gave Washington’s troops a new cause to fight for and helped bring key allies on board 🇺🇸
https://theconversation.com/1776s-declaration-of-independence-inspired-washingtons-troops-to-fight-against-the-odds-and-also-helped-bring-in-powerful-allies-278368
#Histodons [@histodons](https://a.gup.pe/u/histodons )
https://theconversation.com/1776s-declaration-of-independence-inspired-washingtons-troops-to-fight-against-the-odds-and-also-helped-bring-in-powerful-allies-278368

2026-04-09 06:00:01 CEST

A new U.S. refugee policy is prioritizing white South Africans, raising questions about how race has shaped who gets refuge today and throughout #history.
#Histodons [@histodons](https://a.gup.pe/u/histodons )
https://theconversation.com/us-refugee-policy-for-white-south-africans-is-part-of-a-century-long-effort-to-keep-some-english-speaking-nations-white-277171

2026-04-09 05:00:01 CEST

Israel’s new death penalty bill formalizes a two-tier system that targets Palestinians with a military justice system with capital punishment as the default for terrorism convictions, and Israeli citizens facing different rules.
https://theconversation.com/israels-death-penalty-law-has-little-to-do-with-criminal-justice-and-everything-to-do-with-ethno-nationalism-279969

2026-04-09 01:00:06 CEST

When the NFL selects a host city, it's essentially endorsing that place to millions of viewers.
For Pittsburgh, that three-day spotlight could reshape its image beyond the Rust Belt reputation and signal to top high school recruits that the region is a center of the football universe.
#NFLDraft
https://theconversation.com/hosting-the-nfl-draft-is-less-about-weekend-beer-sales-and-more-about-long-term-brand-value-277465

2026-04-09 00:03:01 CEST

The US attack on Iran is the latest chapter in a long, sorry history. Here’s essential background to understand how we got here:
https://theconversation.com/us-and-iran-a-brief-history-of-how-decades-of-mistrust-and-bad-blood-led-to-open-warfare-279712

2026-04-08 22:00:02 CEST

A president could be forced from office early in 2 ways, but both would require a 2/3 majority in Congress.
https://theconversation.com/when-a-president-is-unfit-for-office-heres-what-the-constitution-says-can-happen-280120

2026-04-08 20:00:02 CEST

Entrepreneurs displaying narcissistic behavior are better able to convince investors to give them money when their grandiosity comes across as confidence as opposed to arrogance, explains a management professor who analyzed 12 seasons of “Shark Tank”.
https://theconversation.com/what-i-learned-from-analyzing-789-shark-tank-pitches-narcissists-get-funding-if-theyre-not-arrogant-or-defensive-276803

2026-04-08 18:00:02 CEST

With the return of Israeli forces, the Lebanese parliament scrapped elections scheduled for May. The move is a recurring theme in the country’s fractured politics, explains a professor of migration.
https://theconversation.com/lebanons-political-elites-are-using-displacement-and-humanitarian-crisis-to-delay-elections-again-263677

2026-04-08 16:00:02 CEST

Not all spider venoms are created equal. Some are harmless to people, while others can be deadly. A chemistry professor who has studied spider venom for two decades explains how his team uncovered the deadly mechanism behind recluse spider toxin.
https://theconversation.com/how-does-spider-venom-damage-human-cells-researchers-uncover-the-killer-mechanism-of-recluse-spider-toxin-279903

2026-04-08 12:30:01 CEST

MAP, NOMAP and 764 are among the coded terms that refer to pedophilia. A criminal justice professor who researches online harms to kids explains how parents can stay ahead of the risk:
https://theconversation.com/teenagers-and-younger-kids-are-learning-coded-predator-phrases-like-map-online-long-before-their-parents-have-even-heard-of-it-277460

2026-04-08 10:00:01 CEST

A new $25,000 tax deduction on tips is now available to some gig workers, but eligibility rules are strict. Here’s what you need to know before filing your taxes:
https://theconversation.com/what-gig-workers-and-employees-who-get-tips-need-to-know-about-the-new-no-tax-on-tips-tax-break-276824

2026-04-08 08:00:02 CEST

2026-04-08 06:00:01 CEST

Some major events in the history of US-Iran relations highlight differences between the countries’ views, but others have presented real opportunities for reconciliation. A political science scholar explains:
https://theconversation.com/us-and-iran-a-brief-history-of-how-decades-of-mistrust-and-bad-blood-led-to-open-warfare-279712

2026-04-08 05:26:55 CEST

Why does the Persian Gulf have so much oil?
Because the geology is just right. The rocks made it, trapped it and kept it there at a scale of no other region on the planet.
https://theconversation.com/why-the-persian-gulf-has-more-oil-and-gas-than-anywhere-else-on-earth-279303

2026-04-08 04:00:03 CEST

Pete Hegseth is a member of the CREC, whose beliefs are rooted in a 20th-century movement called Christian Reconstructionism. The movement calls for the implementation of biblical law, explains a scholar of the Christian right.
https://theconversation.com/what-is-crec-and-how-does-it-shape-pete-hegseths-religious-rhetoric-279637