Our neural circuits lead us to find comfort in those like us and unease with those who differ, resulting in a battle between reward and distrust. But these brain connections aren't the end of the story.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Information on social media can be misleading because of biases in three places – the brain, society and algorithms. Scholars are developing ways to identify and display the effects of these biases.
Childhood adversity is linked to social and mental health problems later in life. New research suggests brains that aren't as good at recognizing rewards and responding to change may be to blame.
The tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the sun results in the seasonal changes.
35 years ago Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. But rather than focus on her own extraordinary achievements, her passion became boosting the number of girls pursuing STEM. Another pioneering astronaut remembers her friend and colleague.
A reflection of its own time, the iconic arcade game planted the seeds of today's video game culture.
It's becoming harder and harder for animals to find human-free spaces on the planet. New research suggests that to try to avoid people, mammals are shifting activity from the day to the nighttime.
Privacy rules enacted in Europe are affecting companies – and their customers and users – all around the world.
Experiencing and witnessing violence in their communities can lead to emotional, social and cognitive problems for kids. A new study shows it affects how their developing brains grow, as well.
A flavor of diplomacy that focuses on science cuts through political differences and finds new ways for nations to work together.
Missing a meal can certainly push you toward a bad mood. But new research identifies in what kind of situations hunger is most likely to tip toward hanger.
It could seem attractive to try to teach computers to detect harassment, threats and abusive language. But it's much more difficult than it might appear.
Can artificial intelligence accurately simulate people's religious tendencies in the face of disaster and tragedy?
The first time computer-generated characters interacted with humans on a movie screen was 25 years ago, in 'Jurassic Park.' Since then, technology has improved, giving directors more choices.
Facebook and privacy
For years, watchdogs have warned of the potential problems of sharing data with online companies. The Facebook data crisis has made these concerns much more real. What should be done now?
Influenza 1918–2018
Don't believe these 10 common myths about the 1918 Spanish flu.
Doing science
Four scientists talk through the ways they now build outreach into their work as a way to spread their research's impact – something that wasn't the norm for past generations of academics.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Linguistic clues show how people around the world first developed mathematical thought.
This Speed Read makes the case why you should be nice to spiders you encounter in your home and consider a live-and-let-live policy.
When people see their bodies in 3D, they feel worse about themselves and more negative in general. That might not put shoppers in a buying mood even for clothes that fit better.
Data and privacy issues are tangled up in the DNA reports consumers get from big genetic testing companies – and the third-party sites they turn to in order to glean more from their raw DNA.
Were foreign diplomats and tourists attacked with a 'sonic weapon' – or was it something else? Ultrasound researchers demonstrate a rational, evidence-based explanation.
The FBI and police officials say they need to decrypt secure communications to fight crime. But they have other options, and modern threats make clear the importance of strong encryption.
Victorian attitudes influenced what scientists thought they were observing about sexual behaviors in the animal world. But modern techniques reveal the myth for what it is.
Today's news can often involve mind-bogglingly large numbers. A math professor shares some tricks for understanding it all.
Mathematics and art are generally viewed as very different. But a trip through history – from an Islamic palace to Pollock's paintings – proves the parallels between the two can be uncanny.
Twitter recently blew up with posts wondering about the feline fascination with taped squares on the ground. An animal behavior expert explains it's not magic that draws Fluffy to the #CatSquare.
Let's say you want the perfect mix of friends and strangers at your next party. Mathematicians have been working on a version of this problem for nearly a century, and the answer is complicated.
People who think like hackers have some really good ideas about how to protect digital privacy during turbulent times. We can learn from them.
Most Read past week
Pitch an idea
Got a news tip or article idea for The Conversation?
Our Audience
The Conversation has a monthly audience of 10.7 million users, and reach of 38.2 million through Creative Commons republication.
Want to Write?
Write an article and join a growing community of more than 68,800 academics and researchers from 2,377 institutions.
Make a Donation
The Conversation relies on university, foundation and reader support. If you would like to help us have even better conversations, then you may like to make a one-off or on-going donation.