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College can be confusing for first-generation students – but it doesn’t have to be

In his new book, “Degrees of Risk: Navigating Insecurity and Inequality in Public Higher Education,” sociology professor Blake R. Silver examines some of many ways that college students can slip through the cracks at public colleges and universities. In the following QA with The Conversation U.S., Silver expounds on what…

The Conversation · Sep 20, 2024

OpenAI’s data hunger raises privacy concerns

Last month, OpenAI came out against a yet-to-be enacted Californian law that aims to set basic safety standards for developers of large artificial intelligence (AI) models. This was a change of posture for the company, whose chief executive Sam Altman has previously spoken in support of AI regulation.

The Conversation · Sep 20, 2024

A new blue carbon map of the UK gives mud new meaning

I recently spent a sunny morning aboard Falcon Spirit, a University of Plymouth research vessel. As the boat motored along the south Devon coast, I spoke to Joan Edwards, director of marine policy for The Wildlife Trusts, about some exciting new research that maps blue carbon habitats in UK seas.

The Conversation · Sep 19, 2024

Cosmology in crisis? A new series from The Conversation

If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and felt a sense of awe at the enormity and mystery of the universe, you’re not alone. We humans are curious animals, but understandably focused on our day-to-day existence.

The Conversation · Sep 12, 2024

Ukraine recap: big challenges ahead of winter for Zelensky as European far-right push Russian agenda

It’s not long to winter, and this is going to be another tough one for Ukrainians. The war continues, but allied support is fraying. This week Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, and British foreign secretary David Lammy made a joint visit to Kyiv, after holding a joint press conference…

The Conversation · Sep 12, 2024

Online public shaming of women athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlights gender-based violence

Social media is well recognized as beneficial because it can enhance connections and serve as a forum to discuss important issues. But it’s also a platform for the dissemination of misinformation, hostile views and hate.

The Conversation · Sep 12, 2024

Free school meals are on the rise in the US − but that could change depending on who wins the 2024 presidential election

Should all U.S. public school students be able to eat breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of their family’s income? The federal government temporarily made that possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, some states have taken it upon themselves to make it happen on a permanent basis. The…

The Conversation · Sep 12, 2024

Prime Minister’s Literary Awards 2024: André Dao breaks rules and witnesses uncomfortable truths

André Dao’s debut novel Anam (Penguin Random House) has just won the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Fiction, worth A$80,000. This follows its shortlisting for this year’s Miles Franklin Award.

The Conversation · Sep 12, 2024

Why mpox in Africa was ignored for too long and children are dying as a result – podcast

An epidemic of mpox in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is spreading quickly, particularly among young children. At least 20,000 people are known to be infected in the country, and more than 600 people have died, more than two thirds of them children. Cases have begun to appear…

The Conversation · Sep 12, 2024

A college course that’s a history of the future

Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.

The Conversation · Sep 10, 2024