By Anna Swartwood House, Associate Professor of Art History, University of South Carolina
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.
Why are so many statues naked? – Artie, age 12, Astoria, New York
We are all born naked, and sculptures of the human body in its natural state are as old as humankind.
In the history of art, nudity…
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By Susan E. Collins, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington
Many cities are considering involuntary substance use treatment as a solution to drug use among the homeless. But research doesn’t support this strategy.
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By Benjamin Kaveladze, Postdoctoral Fellow in Mental Health Resources, Dartmouth College
A well-designed 10-minute online exercise can spark small reductions in depression. That’s the key finding of my team’s paper, published in Nature Human Behaviour.
Many people believe that to start overcoming depression, they need a therapist, medication or a radical change in their environment. However, our study shows that taking small steps to learn practical skills can lead to measurable improvements in depressive symptoms.
…
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By Kevin B. Smith, Professor of Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
At least 20 million Americans have served time. Most of them can’t or don’t vote, and that may distort some election outcomes, a political scientist argues.
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By Gabriele Aroni, Senior Lecturer in Games Art at the School of Digital Arts, Manchester Metropolitan University
Hironobu Sakaguci, one of the creators of the long-running Final Fantasy game series, once observed: “The game itself is fun to play, but its strongest characteristic is the visual entertainment the game provides.”
This aesthetic appeal is a big part of the enjoyment players take from their favourite games. Far from the simple graphics of early games, players can now explore photorealistic forests in Kingdom…
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By Tony Roberts, Digital Research Fellow, Institute of Development Studies
Across Africa, governments are introducing digital systems that use individuals’ unique physical measurements to identify them. These systems collect citizens’ biometric and personal data and use it to give people access to essential public services like voting, healthcare, education and social protection. Biometric digital identification systems are often promoted as tools to improve efficiency, inclusion and service delivery.
But a new report…
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By Jan Pospisil, Researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs
South Sudan has not held an election since it gained independence 15 years ago, and progress towards a new constitution has stalled. Election dates have been set and postponed at least three times. A new date has been set for December 2026 but it’s unclear the poll…
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By Siyabulela Christopher Fobosi, Senior Researcher, UNESCO 'Oliver Tambo' Chair of Human Rights, University of Fort Hare, University of Fort Hare
South Africa’s minibus taxi industry is the backbone of the country’s public transport system. Every day, millions of commuters rely on it. In many low-income and peri-urban communities, there is no real alternative. They account for roughly 70% of daily public transport trips in the country.
Yet despite its scale and significance, the industry remains largely informal. It is governed less by formal contracts and clear regulatory systems than by relationships, trust and unwritten rules.
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By Timothy Powell-Jackson, Professor of Health Economics, Global Health Economics Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Mylene Lagarde, Professor of Health Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science
Health inequality is not only about who reaches a health facility. It is also about what happens once patients are inside the consultation room.
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By Jessika Bohlmann, Research Specialist, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria
Getrude Njokwe, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pretoria
Kehinde Oluwaseun Omotoso, Research Fellow, DST/NRF SARChI Chair in Social Policy, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria
Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria
South Africa’s green transition is creating jobs. But not for everyone.
The country’s economy has historically been heavily reliant on coal. Around 70% of its energy is generated from coal. This makes it one of the world’s most carbon-intensive economies.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and modernise the energy system, the government is advancing a transition towards renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and the development of low-carbon industries. This shift forms part of South Africa’s…
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