The Conversation - A stark warning about Elon Musk

Why the price of your favorite chocolate will continue to rise

Narcisa Pricope, Mississippi State University

Aridity is silently spreading through many of the world’s cocoa-producing regions. There are steps we can take to save them.

If FEMA didn’t exist, could states handle the disaster response alone?

Ming Xie, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

FEMA pools national resources to help states quickly manage disasters. Without that federal support, each state would be left to build its own expensive response capabilities.

US sovereign wealth fund: A feasible idea to invest strategically, or a giant opportunity for waste?

Patrick J. Schena, Tufts University

Mongolia, Norway and Kuwait all have one. So too do Texas, Alaska and New Mexico. But a US fund to invest in projects of national interest needs to be free of political interference.

A boycott campaign fuels tension between Black shoppers and Black-owned brands – evoking the long struggle for ‘consumer citizenship’

Timeka N. Tounsel, University of Washington

Black brands and consumers alike are struggling to prove the value of Black dollars.

Poor sleep and addiction go hand in hand − understanding how could lead to new treatments for opioid use disorder

Ryan Logan, UMass Chan Medical School; Mackenzie Gamble, Boston University

Opioids and other addictive drugs can alter the rhythmic activity of genes involved in sleep-wake cycles.

Here’s how researchers are helping AIs get their facts straight

Lu Wang, University of Michigan

Having AI models say how confident they are in their answers could help minimize inaccurate responses. Just don’t be overconfident about their confidence scores.

Are animals smart? From dolphin language to toolmaking crows, lots of species have obvious intelligence

Leticia Fanucchi, Oklahoma State University

Many animals show signs of high intelligence, including strong memory, self-awareness and communication skills.

Teen girls are facing an increased risk of suicide − and stress related to sexual identity might be contributing to it

Joseph Cimpian, New York University; Mollie McQuillan, University of Wisconsin-Madison

While more young people openly identify as LGBQ, many still face substantial challenges that can contribute to a greater prevalence of mental health concerns.

5 premium online research tools all Philly students can use for free

Joyce Valenza, Rutgers University

Students have 24/7 access to a vast collection of audio books, e-books, movies, magazines, journals, newspapers and other digital resources through the POWER Library.

Russia’s shrinking world: The war in Ukraine and Moscow’s global reach

Ronald H. Linden, University of Pittsburgh

With its focus on war with its neighbor, Russia has taken its eyes off the ball elsewhere. As a result, its position is much weaker – but Putin remains dangerous.

Peace in Sudan: what it’s going to take

Mulugeta G Berhe, Tufts University

Sudan must find the right formula to manage its diverse political, economic and cultural interests.

How the human neck became a locus of power, beauty and frailty

Kent Dunlap, Trinity College

The neck’s vitality and vulnerability are rooted in a quirky evolutionary history.

Gut-wrenching love: What a fresh look at the ‘Good Samaritan’ story says for ethics today

Meghan Sullivan, University of Notre Dame

Philosophers have always wrestled with how love can be so morally important, yet so personal and even arbitrary.

Why does Trump want to abolish the Education Department? An anthropologist who studies MAGA explains 4 reasons

5 Super Bowl commercials that deserve places in the advertising hall of shame

Seed oils are toxic, says Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – but it’s not so simple