What do molecules look like?

A physicist explains how atoms arrange themselves into molecules – and how scientists are able to image these tiny bits of matter that make up everything around you.

Christine Helms, Associate Professor of Physics, University of Richmond • conversation
July 11, 2022 ~7 min

Using ‘science’ to market cookies and other products meant for pleasure backfires with consumers

New research found that consumers were less likely to buy a product associated with pleasure if marketers emphasized it was developed with science.

John Costello, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Notre Dame • conversation
May 12, 2022 ~5 min


New data-sharing requirements from the National Institutes of Health are a big step toward more open science – and potentially higher-quality research

Starting in 2023, all research proposals funded by the NIH will need to include a data sharing and management plan. An expert on open science explains the requirements and how they might improve science.

Stephen Jacobs, Professor of Interactive Games and Media, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
March 24, 2022 ~8 min

Cloud seeding might not be as promising as drought-troubled states hope

Several states are experimenting with weather modification to try to generate snow as water supplies shrink. An atmospheric scientist explains the history behind it – and the challenges.

William R. Cotton, Professor Emeritus of Meteorology, Colorado State University • conversation
March 16, 2022 ~7 min

Pollen season is getting longer and more intense with climate change – here's what allergy sufferers can expect in the future

Rising temperatures mean longer, earlier pollen seasons, but the bigger problem is what carbon dioxide will do to the amount of pollen being released. A 200% increase is possible this century.

Allison L. Steiner, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Michigan • conversation
March 15, 2022 ~8 min

Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting US sanctions threaten the future of the International Space Station

What happens to the International Space Station when tensions on Earth rise? A space policy expert explains how the ISS is run and how Russian aggression has threatened its operation in the past – and now.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, Air University • conversation
Feb. 25, 2022 ~8 min

A mild-mannered biker triggered a huge debate over humans' role in climate change – in the early 20th century

His theory, based on years of detailed climate and weather data, became known as the Callendar Effect. Today we call it global warming.

Sylvia G. Dee, Assistant Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Rice University • conversation
Feb. 21, 2022 ~8 min

Tonga eruption was so intense, it caused the atmosphere to ring like a bell

A phenomenon first theorized over 200 years ago is also a telltale sign of nuclear tests.

Kevin Hamilton, Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Hawaii • conversation
Jan. 23, 2022 ~8 min


'Don’t Look Up': Hollywood's primer on climate denial illustrates 5 myths that fuel rejection of science

Just because something isn’t 100% certain doesn’t mean you ignore it, and other lessons from two researchers who study the problem of science denial.

Barbara K. Hofer, Professor of Psychology Emerita, Middlebury • conversation
Jan. 5, 2022 ~8 min

Sold-out supplies, serving a public need and other adventures of doing science during a pandemic – 4 researchers share their experiences

Supply chain issues, emergency science, social distancing requirements and a lot more free time offered both challenges and opportunities for research scientists.

Tony Schmitz, Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Dec. 17, 2021 ~10 min

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