Keeping brain-dead pregnant women on life support raises ethical issues that go beyond abortion politics

Adriana Smith’s body was kept on life support for 16 weeks so her fetus could gestate. Abortion politics don’t capture the ethical complexities of such situations.

Lindsey Breitwieser, Assistant Professor of Gender & Women's Studies, Hollins University • conversation
July 1, 2025 • ~11 min

Invasive carp threaten the Great Lakes − and reveal a surprising twist in national politics

Democratic governors and President Donald Trump agree to fight an invasion of non-native fish that has spread up the Mississippi River and threatens the Great Lakes.

Mike Shriberg, Professor of Practice & Engagement, School for Environment & Sustainability, University of Michigan • conversation
July 1, 2025 • ~10 min

From Roman drains to ancient filters, these artefacts show how solutions to water contamination have evolved

Having to protect and conserve drinking water and its sources is as relevant today as it always has been.

Rosa Busquets, Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University • conversation
July 1, 2025 • ~7 min

‘Completely unexpected’: Antarctic sea ice may be in terminal decline due to rising Southern Ocean salinity

Scientists once thought Antarctica might hold onto its sea ice as the world warmed. No longer.

Alessandro Silvano, NERC Independent Research Fellow in Oceanography, University of Southampton • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~7 min

How can the James Webb Space Telescope see so far?

The James Webb Space Telescope has 2 powerful instruments that see light the human eye can’t.

Adi Foord, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~9 min

Here’s a way to save lives, curb traffic jams and make commutes faster and easier − ban left turns at intersections

Even though research supports the change, most cities have been slow to ban left turns at even the most congested intersections.

Vikash V. Gayah, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Penn State • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~8 min

1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities – how parents can protect their children’s teeth

Florida is one of the worst states in the US when it comes to access to affordable dental care – and children are suffering as a result.

Olga Ensz, Clinical Assistant Professor of Community Dentistry, University of Florida • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~9 min

What’s at risk for Arctic wildlife if Trump expands oil drilling in the fragile National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

Caribou, migrating birds and many other types of wildlife rely on this expanse of wetlands and tundra. Humanity and the climate depend on a healthy Arctic, too.

Mariah Meek, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~11 min

What happens to your brain when you watch videos online at faster speeds than normal

Lots of younger people play audiobooks and podcasts at faster speeds. The benefits are obvious, but researchers are uncovering downsides.

Marcus Pearce, Reader in Cognitive Science, Queen Mary University of London • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~6 min

Air quality isn’t just bad in cities – here’s why and how we’re tracking pollution from upland fires

How a new monitoring system improves fire detections and captures the air pollution effects of planned peatland burns.

Maria Val Martin, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Atmospheric Sciences, University of Sheffield • conversation
June 30, 2025 • ~8 min

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