Human skin stood up better to the sun before there were sunscreens and parasols – an anthropologist explains why

Our ancient ancestors didn’t have clothes or houses – but that constant exposure to the sun helped their skin protect itself from the worst sun damage.

Nina G. Jablonski, Evan Pugh University Professor of Anthropology, Penn State • conversation
Sept. 6, 2022 • ~9 min

Do chemicals in sunscreens threaten aquatic life? A new report says a thorough assessment is 'urgently needed,' while also calling sunscreens essential protection against skin cancer

Rising concern about possible environmental damage from the active ingredients in sunscreens could have ripple effects on public health if it causes people to use less of them.

Karen Glanz, George A. Weiss University Professor and Director, UPenn Prevention Research Center, University of Pennsylvania • conversation
Aug. 9, 2022 • ~10 min

Hot and getting hotter – 5 essential reads on high temps and human bodies

After the announcement of President Biden’s heat initiative, The Conversation revisits stories on high summer temperatures and human health.

Leah Samuel, Health + Equity Editor • conversation
Aug. 2, 2022 • ~6 min

Solar storms can destroy satellites with ease – a space weather expert explains the science

Space weather can affect satellites in a number of different ways, from frying electronics to increasing drag in the atmosphere.

Piyush Mehta, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University • conversation
March 2, 2022 • ~10 min

Why are we seeing more northern lights this year?

The sun has entered a phase causing more chances to see the northern lights in the UK, an expert explains.

Professor Sandra C Chapman, Director, Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics, University of Warwick • conversation
Feb. 3, 2022 • ~6 min

Have we made an object that could travel 1% the speed of light?

The fastest things ever made by humans are spacecraft, and the fastest spacecraft reached 330,000 mph – only 0.05% the speed of light. But there are ways to go faster.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Nov. 15, 2021 • ~5 min

A small telescope past Saturn could solve some mysteries of the universe better than giant telescopes near Earth

Such a mission could be developed soon, allowing astrophysicists to take selfies of the solar system and use the Sun’s gravity as a lens to peer deep into space.

Michael Zemcov, Associate Professor of Physics, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
Nov. 1, 2021 • ~9 min

We've spotted a planet surviving its dying star – here's what it tells us about end of our Solar System

For the first time ever, astronomers have astrophysical evidence that Jupiter and many other planets will survive the death of the Sun.

Dimitri Veras, Associate Professor and STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellow of Astrophysics, University of Warwick • conversation
Oct. 13, 2021 • ~7 min

How many stars are there in space?

Scientists have a good estimate on the staggering number of stars in the universe.

Brian Jackson, Associate Professor of Astronomy, Boise State University • conversation
Sept. 20, 2021 • ~5 min

Earth's energy budget is out of balance – here's how that's warming the climate

When heat in doesn’t equal heat out, Earth sees changes.

Scott Denning, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 4, 2021 • ~6 min

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