How millions of people can watch the same video at the same time – a computer scientist explains the technology behind streaming

A lot of sophisticated digital plumbing goes into delivering that streaming video to your phone, computer or TV.

Chetan Jaiswal, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Quinnipiac University • conversation
May 2, 2025 ~8 min

What causes the powerful winds that fuel dust storms, wildfires and blizzards? A weather scientist explains

One long line of powerful winds can whip up dust storms, spread wildfires, spin up tornadoes and fuel blizzards – all at the same time across different states.

Chris Nowotarski, Associate Professor of Atmospheric Science, Texas A&M University • conversation
March 20, 2025 ~8 min


YouTube was born from a failed dating site – 20 years on, the world’s biggest video platform faces new challenges

When that concept failed, the founders opened the site up to any type of video – and transformed the way we consume and create media.

Evelyn Polacek Kery, PhD Researcher in Social Work & Social Care, School of Education & Social Work, University of Sussex • conversation
Feb. 21, 2025 ~8 min

No flood gauges, no warning: 99% of US streams are off the radar amid rising flash flood risks – we saw the harm in 2024

If federal streamgages were bolstered by networks of cheaper monitors run by communities, the results could save lives.

Branko Kerkez, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Dec. 17, 2024 ~10 min

What the jet stream and climate change had to do with the hottest summer on record − remember all those heat domes?

As a record-hot summer comes to a close, an atmospheric scientist explains how global warming drove long periods of extreme heat.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Sept. 18, 2024 ~7 min

Urban wildfires disrupt streams and their tiny inhabitants − losing these insects is a warning of bigger water problems

After wildfires in California and Colorado cities, levels of harmful metals in the water jumped. Nature sent up a red flag.

Lauren Magliozzi, Researcher in Environmental Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Aug. 26, 2024 ~10 min

The Atlantic Gulf Stream was unexpectedly strong during the last ice age – new study

New finding adds uncertainty to projections of how the climate will change in future.

Mark Maslin, Professor of Natural Sciences, UCL • conversation
July 10, 2024 ~7 min

2024’s violent tornado season has been one of the most active on record − a meteorologist explains the weather behind the outbreaks

Spring 2024 was menacing for large parts of the US, with a tornado nearly every day in May. Tornado outbreaks tore up communities across multiple states.

William Gallus, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Iowa State University • conversation
June 24, 2024 ~7 min


Is collapse of the Atlantic Ocean circulation really imminent? Icebergs’ history reveals some clues

If the ocean circulation, known as AMOC, shuts down, it would be a climate disaster, particularly for Europe and North America. New research shows why that might not happen as soon as some fear.

Jerry McManus, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University • conversation
May 30, 2024 ~7 min

Ice storms, January downpours, heavy snow, no snow: Diagnosing ‘warming winter syndrome’

As the climate changes and weather warms, the freezing line is shifting, bringing rain and ice to regions not prepared for it.

Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, Professor of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering and School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
Jan. 25, 2024 ~8 min

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