The Conversation
- The Conversation
Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’: How Hamas and Tehran are attempting to galvanise their allies against Israel
informed Summary
- The recent attack on Israel by Hamas has brought the Israeli-Palestinian issue back to the forefront of Middle East geopolitics, with Iran's proxies emerging emboldened. The situation could potentially escalate into a regional war, but a negotiated ceasefire could still prevent this.
World Affairs6 min read - The Conversation
Exhausted, disconnected and fed up – what is 'parental burnout' and what can you do about it?
Editor's Note
It's not easy for parents to practice self-care. However, The Conversation argues that when they do it can have a positive impact on not only their personal health, but the health of their family too.
Personal growth4 min read - The Conversation
Five ways the metaverse could be revolutionary for people with disabilities
Tech4 min read - The Conversation
Shakespeare's First Folio turns 400: What would be lost without the collection? An expert speculates
Editor's Note
Emma Smith is Professor of Shakespeare Studies at the University of Oxford. In The Conversation, she discusses the legacy of the first collection of the Bard’s comedy, history and tragedy plays.
Culture4 min read - The Conversation
How a night of poor sleep can affect your next day at work – and four ways to function better
Editor's Note
A bad nights sleep can heavily impact productivity the following day. The Conversation has some useful tips on what to do if you haven't slept very well, in order to help you function a little better.
Personal growth4 min read - The Conversation
Iraq 20 years on: Death came from the skies on March 19 2003 – and the killing continues to this day
Editor's Note
“Operation Iraqi Freedom”, the US-led coalition’s bombing of Baghdad, was watched by millions of people on television screens around the world. The Conversation recalls the aftermath of that night.
World Affairs4 min read - The Conversation
Why does music bring back memories? What the science says
Editor's Note
If you find your Friday soundtrack is transporting you elsewhere, then The Conversation can help explain why. A professor of music psychology writes on the link between music and involuntary memory.
Science3 min read - The Conversation
American man developed an Irish accent after getting prostate cancer – foreign accent syndrome explained
Editor's Note
Foreign accent syndrome is rare but when it does develop it is likely the result of brain damage. To date, around 200 cases have been reported where patients cannot control the switch in their speech.
Science3 min read - The Conversation
The Auckland floods are a sign of things to come
Editor's Note
Over the last few days, Auckland experienced unprecedented levels of rainfall - that were quite literally off the chart. The Conversation reports on the devastating event and looks to the future.
Climate3 min read - The Conversation
Does Covid really damage your immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections? The evidence is lacking
Editor's Note
The Conversation analyzes potential causes of the recent wave of respiratory viral infections in many northern countries, but finds the theories of Covid damage and "immunity debt" unconvincing.
Health4 min read - The Conversation
Organ-on-a-chip models allow researchers to conduct studies closer to real-life conditions
Editor's Note
An analytical chemist explains the benefits and challenges of conducting pre-clinical trials on organs-on-chips that mimic blood flow in the body. Could it speed up drug discovery?
Science4 min read - The Conversation
Antarctica's emperor penguins could be extinct by 2100 – and other species may follow if we don't act
Editor's Note
A recent study has discovered that 97% of land-based Antarctic species could decline by 2100 if we don't act soon. The Conversation summarizes the findings.
Climate4 min read - The Conversation
Balenciaga’s controversial new campaign and the long history of 'shockvertising'
Editor's Note
The fashion industry has a long, successful history when it comes to "shockvertising". Could this be the method behind Balenciaga's controversial campaign? The Conversation answers just this question.
Culture3 min read - The Conversation
Why we feel like Christmas comes around more quickly each year
Editor's Note
Is Christmas coming earlier every year? It sure feels that way, according to this essay in The Conversation. But it has less to do with when holiday lights go up than with how we experience time.
Lifestyle3 min read - The Conversation
Protests in China are not rare — but the current unrest is significant
Editor's Note
The current protests are about China's Zero-Covid policy, triggered by a fire in the city of Urumqi where lockdown measures hampered rescue efforts.
Politics5 min read - The Conversation
How to test if we're living in a computer simulation
Editor's Note
Do you think we are living in a matrix? This piece from The Conversation explores this very question and explains how you can maybe try to figure it our yourself.
Science4 min read - The Conversation
World Cup: This year's special Al Rihla ball has the aerodynamics of a champion, according to a sports physicist
Editor's Note
Ever wondered what goes behind the making of the footballs for World Cups? A sports physicist explains the science behind the design of the Qatar World Cup football.
Science5 min read - The Conversation
Joan Didion for sale: The auction of the author's belongings reveals the grand fiction of her image
Editor's Note
The writer's Céline sunglasses were purchased by a fan for $27,000. Didion passed away last year at age 87.
Culture3 min read - The Conversation
Companies are increasingly tracking eye movements. But is it ethical?
Editor's Note
Meta's latest VR headset, Quest Pro, offers opt-in eye tracking. A researcher looks at this tech development through the ethical lens and recommends regulation by external stakeholders.
Tech3 min read - The Conversation
Alzheimer's disease: Surprising new theory about what might cause it
Editor's Note
Alzheimer's disease has puzzled scientists for decades. In this article, we hear about a recent discovery which may bring us one step closer to understanding the heartbreaking disease.
Health4 min read
