The Conversation - WHO spotlights traditional medicine

The US committed to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, but like other countries, it’s struggling to make progress

Scott Schang, Wake Forest University; John Dernbach, Widener University

Halfway to the SDGs’ 2030 deadline, countries have made progress, but most are struggling to meet all 17 goals. The US is no exception.

Invasive species cause billions of dollars in damage worldwide: 4 essential reads

Jennifer Weeks, The Conversation

According to a new UN report, invasive species do more than US$423 billion in damage worldwide every year. Four articles explore examples, from mollusks to poisonous fish.

Could a single drug treat the two leading causes of death in the US: cancer and cardiovascular disease?

Bryan Smith, Michigan State University

Cardiovascular disease and cancer share many parallels in their origins and how they develop. Nanoparticles offer one potential way to effectively treat both with reduced side effects.

Join the conversation with Manil Suri and The Conversation’s Senior Science + Technology Editor, Maggie Villiger, on September 14 at 2 p.m. Eastern/11 a.m. Pacific. Please register in advance to save your spot.

Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating the birthday of a beloved Hindu god, renowned for his compassion and his wisdom in the Bhagavad Gita

Robert J. Stephens, Clemson University

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna. Many Hindus reenact episodes from mythology on Krishna’s life, known as ‘Krishna Lilas,’ and perform folk dances.

Not religious, not voting? The ‘nones’ are a powerful force in politics – but not yet a coalition

Evan Stewart, UMass Boston

Nonreligious voters are poised to make an impact, but sweeping statements about the ‘nones’ don’t tell the full story.

US has a long history of state lawmakers silencing elected Black officials and taking power from their constituents

Rodney Coates, Miami University

Throughout US history, a ‘white backlash’ has worked to keep Black officeholders and their constituents out of power.

Alabama’s defiant new voting map rejected by federal court — after Republicans ignored the Supreme Court’s directive to add a second majority-Black House district

Henry L. Chambers Jr., University of Richmond

Since 2020, Alabama lawmakers have failed to draw political districts that give Black voters an equal chance of selecting political candidates that represent their interests.

Entrepreneurs, beware: Owning your own business can make it harder to get hired later

Jacob Arnett Waddingham, Texas State University; Miles Zachary, Auburn University

Returning to a 9-to-5 job is more challenging than many expect.

The untold story of how Howard University came to be known as ‘The Mecca’

Jamaal Abdul-Alim, University of Maryland

While it’s widely believed that Howard University came to be known as “The Mecca” in the 1960s, new evidence shows the nickname is more than half a century older than that.

Trump’s mug shot is now a means of entertainment and fundraising − but it will go down in history as an important cultural artifact

Prescriptions for fruits and vegetables can improve the health of people with diabetes and other ailments, new study finds

Fiber is your body’s natural guide to weight management – rather than cutting carbs out of your diet, eat them in their original fiber packaging instead