The tools in a medieval Japanese healer’s toolkit: from fortunetelling and exorcism to herbal medicines

In medieval Japan, healing might mean taking medicine, undergoing an exorcism or sidestepping harm in the first place by avoiding inauspicious days.

Alessandro Poletto, Lecturer in East Asian Religions, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
March 1, 2024 ~8 min

A growing number of women give birth at Catholic hospitals, where they do not receive the same reproductive health options – including birth control – provided at other hospitals

Many people do not realize they are delivering at a Catholic hospital, and others may not have a choice. But where one receives care has a profound impact on the birth control options they’re offered.

Maria Gallo, Professor of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University • conversation
June 29, 2022 ~10 min


For some people, religious leaders might be most effective at communicating the importance of COVID-19 vaccination

Two political scientists in their study in South Dakota found people trusted medical professionals the least when it came to public health messages.

David Wiltse, Associate Professor of Political Science, South Dakota State University • conversation
May 12, 2022 ~6 min

Why the world has a lot to learn about conservation – and trust – from Indigenous societies

Traditional ecological knowledge, or TEK, can encompass science, medicine, ecology, religion, and culture – and help protect the environment.

John Ziker, Professor of Anthropology, Boise State University • conversation
May 12, 2022 ~9 min

The Catholic saint who dedicated his life to a leprosy colony in Hawaii – and became an inspiration for HIV/AIDS care

Father Damien’s legacy has inspired health providers and humanitarians for over a century.

Mark Lambert, Teaching Fellow, University of Chicago Divinity School • conversation
May 6, 2022 ~9 min

Can churches be protectors of public health?

Responses to COVID-19 health guidelines have been polarized, including in churches. But religious communities have a long history of involvement in public health.

Andrew Gardner, Visiting Faculty Associate of American Religious History, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace • conversation
Feb. 25, 2022 ~9 min

Happy Twosday! Why numbers like 2/22/22 have been too fascinating for over 2,000 years

Numerology ties in with how our brains work, but that doesn’t mean its claims make sense.

Barry Markovsky, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of South Carolina • conversation
Feb. 17, 2022 ~9 min

End-of-life conversations can be hard, but your loved ones will thank you

When you prepare to talk about end-of-life decisions and the legacy you want to leave behind, try thinking about them as gifts you bestow to family and friends.

Deborah Carr, Professor of Sociology and Director of Center for Innovation in Social Science, Boston University • conversation
Jan. 10, 2022 ~8 min


Who's in? Who's out? The ethics of COVID-19 travel rules

Should countries require COVID-19 vaccination for entry while vaccines remain globally scarce?

Caesar Atuire, Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Ghana • conversation
Nov. 30, 2021 ~11 min

How religious fervor and anti-regulation zealotry laid the groundwork for America's $36 billion supplement industry

The FDA has largely lost its ability to regulate the myriad pills, powders and potions that promise to grow muscle, shed body fat and improve your focus.

Conor Heffernan, Assistant Professor of Physical Culture and Sport Studies, University of Texas at Austin • conversation
Aug. 13, 2021 ~12 min

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