Why wild animals catching COVID-19 is bad for everyone

Invading Ukraine may never have been Putin’s aim – the threat alone could advance Russia’s goals

Ronald Suny, University of Michigan

A scholar of Russian history breaks down what Putin’s aim might be in threatening military invasion, and why that might backfire.

Understanding Canada’s crisis: Has Trumpism arrived or are people just tired of pandemic restrictions?

Jonathan Malloy, Carleton University

Canada’s international reputation as a relatively peaceful country is at odds with the noisy protests by people opposed to measures aimed at preventing COVID-19.

Anti-Asian violence spiked in the US during the pandemic, especially in blue-state cities

Arie Perliger, UMass Lowell

A new analysis of crime data shows that anti-Asian violence, targeting people of Asian descent and their property, rose sharply during the pandemic.

All American presidents have lied – the question is why and when

Michael Blake, University of Washington

A political philosopher argues that while all American presidents may lie, those who appear to lie for the public good are often celebrated.

Can religion and faith combat eco-despair?

Rita D. Sherma, Graduate Theological Union

As anxiety over the climate and environmental degradation rises, a scholar argues that teachings from religion and spirituality need to inform discussions on sustainability.

Yoko Ono’s prophetic vision of self-care

Brigid Cohen, New York University

Ono’s commitment to regenerative rituals is instructive in an era of turmoil and instability.

The Supreme Court could hamstring federal agencies’ regulatory power in a high-profile air pollution case

Albert C. Lin, University of California, Davis

West Virginia v. EPA could be the opportunity that conservative justices have been seeking to curb federal power.

Want better child care? Invest in entrepreneurial training for child care workers

Anne Douglass, UMass Boston

When early childhood education providers become more entrepreneurial, the quality of their programs improves, research shows.

Female business travelers pay less than their male colleagues because they tend to book earlier

Javier D. Donna, University of Florida

New research shows women paid an average of $18 less per flight than men in the same position at the same company, mainly because they consistently booked earlier.

Does outer space end – or go on forever?

Physics and psychology of cats – an (improbable) conversation

50-year-old muscles just can’t grow big like they used to – the biology of how muscles change with age