Cat behavior, iceberg alley, sandwich history, monster battles, the Grand Canyon and more

Dear Reader, 

Wonder is a gift. I love that strange and surprising sense of awe – the astonishment I feel when I gain a nugget of understanding about how our world works. 

Every day, The Conversation publishes articles that spark this feeling of amazement. We bridge the gap between researchers and people like you who are curious about the world. We get scholars to share what excites, delights and even astounds them about their research subjects, even after they have spent years or decades studying the topic.

Where else would you hear about how a giant space rock demolished an ancient Middle Eastern city, possibly inspiring the biblical story of Sodom? Or hear from a geologist going on a boat in “iceberg alley” for 40 years to drill core samples? Or how the Grand Canyon changed from being viewed as a desolation to a grand resource? Or why cats knead with their paws? Or how there is no right to vote in the Constitution? Or what sandwiches tell us about American history? Or whether Godzilla’s biomechanics and skeletal traits could help him defeat King Kong? 

Our editors monitor university research – in popular and obscure journals, in conversations with scholars and even in mentions on Twitter – so they can find the kinds of stories that will bring discoveries and wonder to the public. 

But we need your support to help us report these stories. Will you consider a small monthly donation? 

Your gift of $5, $10 or even $15 each month helps keep wonder alive.