Calling the coronavirus the 'Chinese virus' matters – research connects the label with racist bias

Social scientists find that using geography-related names or racialized framing around the coronavirus in even one news story can trigger racist stereotypes and biases.

Brad Bushman, Professor of Communication and Rinehart Chair of Mass Communication, The Ohio State University • conversation
Feb. 18, 2022 ~6 min

The high-speed physics of how bobsled, luge and skeleton send humans hurtling faster than a car on the highway

It may look like athletes in bobsled, luge and skeleton simply grab a sled and hang on until the bottom, but high-speed physics and tiny motions mean the difference between gold and a crash.

John Eric Goff, Professor of Physics, University of Lynchburg • conversation
Feb. 4, 2022 ~8 min


Here's why China probably won't dominate the electric car market this year

China is powering ahead with EV production, but Chinese EVs might not be ready to face the global market.

David Tyfield, Professor in Sustainable Transitions and Political Economy, Lancaster University • conversation
Jan. 6, 2022 ~7 min

What is Log4j? A cybersecurity expert explains the latest internet vulnerability, how bad it is and what's at stake

Log4Shell is the latest hacker exploit rocking the internet, and it’s arguably the worst yet. The vulnerability is in an obscure piece of software used on millions of computers.

Santiago Torres-Arias, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
Dec. 22, 2021 ~9 min

How do fireworks work? A pyrotechnics chemist explains the science behind the brilliant colors and sounds

Hidden underneath the bright colors and celebratory nature of fireworks is a combination of ancient chemistry and modern pyrotechnical recipes.

Paul E. Smith, Lecture Demonstrator for Chemistry, Purdue University • conversation
Dec. 21, 2021 ~7 min

In the fight against climate change, China is doing more than you think – but still not enough

China has a tendency to underpromise so it can overdeliver. The UN climate summit in Glasgow may have been the crossroad where it chose a more sustainable path.

Phillip Stalley, Endowed Professor of Environmental Diplomacy & Associate Professor of Political Science, DePaul University • conversation
Dec. 7, 2021 ~9 min

Space law hasn't been changed since 1967 – but the UN aims to update laws and keep space peaceful

Human activities in space today are far more numerous and complicated compared to the 1967. Two experts explain the need for better laws to keep space peaceful.

Greg Autry, Clinical Professor of Space Leadership, Policy and Business, Arizona State University • conversation
Nov. 23, 2021 ~8 min

Coal: why China and India aren't the climate villains of COP26

Rich countries like the UK have almost left coal power behind, but it’s not as easy for developing countries.

Martin Taylor, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Energy and Environment, University of Hull • conversation
Nov. 17, 2021 ~5 min


Russian anti-satellite weapon test: What happened and what are the risks?

Russia destroyed one of its old satellites during a successful test of an anti-satellite weapon. A space security expert explains what this weapon was and the dangers of the expanding debris field.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies • conversation
Nov. 16, 2021 ~8 min

We discovered why giant pandas are black and white: here's how

The scientists who discovered that a giant panda’s distinctive markings provide camouflage from predators tell us about their latest work

Ossi Nokelainen, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Jyväskylä • conversation
Nov. 9, 2021 ~5 min

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