IRS 2.0? US tax system getting an upgrade

Secondhand smoke may be a substantial contributor to lead levels found in children and adolescents, new study finds

Genny Carrillo, Texas A&M University; Taehyun Roh, Texas A&M University

Researchers found that children exposed to secondhand smoke had higher than average levels of lead in their blood.

Do unbiased jurors exist to serve at Trump’s trials in the age of social media?

Thaddeus Hoffmeister, University of Dayton

Trump’s lawyers, and those prosecuting him, aren’t the only ones grappling with the problem of finding unbiased jurors in the age of social media.

Religious leaders without religion: How humanist, atheist and spiritual-but-not-religious chaplains tend to patients’ needs

Amy Lawton, Brandeis University

As more Americans step away from organized religion, so do more chaplains – but they are prepared to offer spiritual care regardless of a patient’s beliefs.

Heat pumps will cool your home during the hottest of summers and reduce your global warming impact

Theresa Pistochini, University of California, Davis

Heat pumps can be 400% more efficient than a gas furnace.

The US is spending billions to reduce forest fire risks – we mapped the hot spots where treatment offers the biggest payoff for people and climate

Jamie Peeler, University of Montana

Forest thinning and controlled burns take away fuel for fires, but the US can only treat so many acres. Which ones to choose?

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.

Nanoparticles will change the world, but whether it’s for the better depends on decisions made now

Kristin Omberg, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Nanoparticles have contributed to profound medical advances like the COVID-19 vaccine, but without oversight, they pose ethical and environmental issues.

China is switching away from its aggressive ‘wolf warrior’ foreign policy – here’s why

Tom Harper, University of East London

China’s president Xi Jinping is testing out a “softer” foreign policy approach.

Russia in Africa: Prigozhin’s death exposes Putin’s real motives on the continent

Joseph Siegle, University of Maryland

Russia is not interested in helping Africa to prosper or achieve stability, but as a theatre for advancing the Kremlin’s geostrategic interests.

If anxiety is in my brain, why is my heart pounding? A psychiatrist explains the neuroscience and physiology of fear

Saudi reforms are softening Islam’s role, but critics warn the kingdom will still take a hard line against dissent

Michael Oher, Mike Tyson and the question of whether you own your life story