By Jacqui Glencross, Seabird ecologist, University of St Andrews
South Africa is home to 88% of the world’s colonies of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus). The species is classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This means there is a high risk the birds could go extinct in the wild following rapid population declines.
This species was once abundant along the coasts of South…
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By Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin, Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs, Boise State University
It’s difficult to measure what is lost when an opinion is never voiced and impossible to catalogue the arguments that never form because a speaker calculates the risk and decides silence is safer.
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By Timothy J. Pawl, Professor of Philosophy, University of St. Thomas
The word ‘meekness’ might seem old-fashioned – and not a positive trait. But understanding its original meaning can identify an important virtue.
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By Anna Swartwood House, Associate Professor of Art History, University of South Carolina
A red chalk sketch for the Sistine ceiling fetched an eye-popping sum at auction, reflecting the artist’s lifelong belief that drawing and design – not painting – were the wellspring of all great art.
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By Vicki Baker, Professor of Economics and Management, Albion College
Linda M. Boland, Professor of Biology, University of Richmond
Colleges and universities are taking on different approaches to how their students are using AI – but with a shared recognition that they cannot prevent it altogether.
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By Abigail Leigh Phillips, Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Florida has ranked No. 1 in the United States when it comes to banning books for the past three years, with 2,300 books removed or restricted from public school libraries.
What’s driving these numbers are small, grassroots organizations made up of vocal, media-savvy members. Moms for Liberty is one of the best…
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By Justin Pelletier, Professor of Practice of Computing Security, Rochester Institute of Technology
When a coupon suddenly appears on your phone as you approach a store, you might find it convenient and even helpful. But the same AI systems that know where you are and try to influence your purchases can be used to infer what you fear, what you trust and which stories you are likely to believe. AI-fueled marketing algorithms are becoming increasingly good at influencing human behavior.
That raises concern about what various governments…
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By Kathleen Keller, Professor of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State
It’s 5:45 p.m. and you’ve just arrived home after a long day at work. You’d like nothing more than a glass of pinot and to binge old episodes of your favorite show. Into the kitchen comes young Sally, your food-adventurous 8-year-old. “I’m hungry, what’s for dinner?”
Sally has never met a food she’s afraid to try. Visions of her savoring the tangy brine of an oyster and joyously slurping spicy ramen noodles dance in your head.
Before you can give her an answer, Billy, your 4-year-old picky eater, shouts, “Mac and cheese!” from the living room. Billy rotates between three…
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By Shreyas Sen, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.
What is Bluetooth? – Henry, age 13, Somerville, Massachusetts
How do headphones, toys, gadgets and other devices talk to each other without any wires? Many of them connect with Bluetooth. It’s a technology…
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By Shelly Tygielski, Doctoral Student in Philanthropic Leadership, Indiana University
Pamala Wiepking, Associate Professor of Philanthropy, Indiana University; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Some Americans are discovering that monetary help they received from friends, neighbors or even strangers may be treated as taxable income.
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