Lighting a fire using friction requires an understanding of some physics principles − but there are ways to make the process easier

You may have seen contestants on reality shows like “Survivor” make fire using friction, but do you know the physics behind the process?

Bradley Duncan, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Dayton • conversation
Dec. 14, 2023 ~9 min

Take a break from your screen and look at plants − botanizing is a great way to engage with life around you

Botanizing is the practice of observing and appreciating plant life. Two plant scientists explain how it benefits people and the planet.

Ben Goulet-Scott, Higher Education & Laboratory Coordinator at Harvard Forest, Harvard University • conversation
Sept. 20, 2023 ~9 min


What social change movements can learn from fly fishing: The value of a care-focused message

Founded in 1959, the membership group Trout Unlimited has changed the culture of fly-fishing and mobilized members to support conservation. Could its approach work for other social problems?

Madeline Toubiana, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Organization, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa • conversation
Aug. 28, 2023 ~9 min

Infants need lots of active movement and play – and there are simple ways to help them get it

Even babies who are not yet standing or walking get lots of benefits from active movement – but most infants aren’t getting enough physical activity.

Danae Dinkel, Associate Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska Omaha • conversation
March 3, 2022 ~9 min

A proposed mine threatens Minnesota's Boundary Waters, the most popular wilderness in the US

Conservation or copper? A proposed mine in northern Minnesota pits industrial jobs against a thriving outdoor economy.

Char Miller, W. M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History, Pomona College • conversation
Oct. 5, 2020 ~10 min

Twitter posts show that people are profoundly sad – and are visiting parks to cheer up

Research that measures the public mood based on Twitter posts shows that it's currently at its lowest point in a decade. One exception: when people visit parks and green spaces.

Taylor Ricketts, Professor and Director, Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont • conversation
Aug. 6, 2020 ~8 min

Summer visitors to American parks choose safety first over freedom to roam

A new survey finds that Americans are willing to accept limits on visitors to public lands to reduce crowds, and want staff and visitors to wear masks.

B. Derrick Taff, Assistant Professor, Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, Professor-in-Charge of Graduate Studies, Pennsylvania State University • conversation
June 5, 2020 ~9 min

Increasing screen time during the coronavirus pandemic could be harmful to kids' eyesight

With online learning and social distancing, kids are spending more time staring at screens and less time outdoors. That can put them at higher risk of myopia and serious eye problems in the future.

Olivia Killeen, Resident Physician in Ophthalmology, University of Michigan • conversation
May 21, 2020 ~8 min


Increasing screen time during COVID-19 could be harmful to kids' eyesight

With online learning and social distancing, kids are spending more time staring at screens and less time outdoors. That can put them at higher risk of myopia and serious eye problems in the future.

Olivia Killeen, Resident Physician in Ophthalmology, University of Michigan • conversation
May 21, 2020 ~8 min

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