The Conversation

How big data and algorithms are slashing the cost of fixing Flint's water crisis

Written by Jacob Abernethy, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

A big data analysis indicates the focus on service line replacement may only go so far at fixing Flint's water issues. George Thomas/flickr

The water crisis in Flint, Michigan highlights a number of serious problems: a public health outbreak, inadequate urban infrastructure, environmental injustice and political failures. But when it comes to...

Why money is an impoverished metric of generosity

Written by Richard Gunderman, Chancellor's Professor of Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy, Indiana University

Volunteers clean up after Hurricane Sandyjim.henderson, CC BY-SA

Philanthropy watchers such as Forbes, Business Insider and the Chronicle of Philanthropy regularly produce rankings of the most generous philanthropists in the United States.

On this basis, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are often ranked at the top of currently active philanthropists,...

Clinton's American exceptionalism puts a new twist on an old idea

Written by Abram Van Engen, Associate Professor of English, Washington University in St Louis

How does a belief in American exceptionalism shape foreign policy?

The views of the presidential candidates will likely be on display during a national security and military affairs forum hosted by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and NBC News this week. What may be most surprising is not what the candidates say, but the way in which...

How the G20 can ensure the marvelous gains from globalization aren't lost

Written by Farok J. Contractor, Distinguished Professor of Management & Global Business, Rutgers University

The G20 summit of world leaders just finished two days of meetings, during which they focused primarily on the many ongoing fires threatening the global economy. These include the alleged “dumping” of Chinese steel on other nations, worsening climate change, cybersecurity and the fear of competitive devaluations.

But perhaps the biggest...

New opening at The Conversation: data and applied math editor

Written by Maria Balinska, Editor, The Conversation

Solving a vehicle routing problem around London's Paddington StationPaddington Station Map, CC BY-SA

Do you love ideas, and care about how big data is transforming science and society? Or how mathematics can help solve social problems?

Are you adept at translating data into compelling graphics?

The Conversation US is looking for an editor to focus...

A hint of blue? The 2016 presidential election in Georgia

Written by M.V. Hood III, Professor of Political Science, University of Georgia

Might Georgia turn blue in the presidential race?

Polling in Georgia has the race as statistical dead heat. The Real Clear Politics average has the race with Trump at 44.3 percent and Hillary Clinton at 42.7 percent – Trump ahead by 1.6 percent.

In response, the Clinton campaign has sent additional funds to hire more field organizers in...

Why Russians support Putin's foreign policy

Written by Erik C. Nisbet, Associate Professor of Communication, Political Science, and Environmental Policy and Faculty Associate with the Mershon Center for International Security Studies, The Ohio State University

Tensions are again mounting between Russia and Ukraine.Dubiously claiming provocation, Russia has stationed 40,000 troops on the Ukrainian border. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of a full-scale invasion.

This hawkish Russian foreign policy is not new. The conflict has striking parallels to Russia’s short 2008 war with another...

Why taking a selfie while brushing your teeth could be good for you

Written by Lance Vernon, Senior instructor, Case Western Reserve University

Teeth have been big news lately. First, there was the issue of whether flossing really helps lower the risk for tooth decay and gingivitis.

And now, questions about how often we really need to get dental X-rays have made the news.

The bottom line is that, clinically, these are complex issues that can’t easily be reduced to a simple soundbite.

Ma...

Psychology behind the unfunny consequences of jokes that denigrate

Written by Thomas E. Ford, Professor of Social Psychology, Western Carolina University

A joke isn't just a joke.elycefeliz, CC BY-NC-ND

Q: Why did the woman cross the road?
A: Who cares! What the hell is she doing out of the kitchen?
Q: Why hasn’t NASA sent a woman to the moon?
A: It doesn’t need cleaning yet!

These two jokes represent disparagement humor – any attempt to amuse through the denigration of a social group...

Why are police inside public schools?

Written by Aaron Kupchik, Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice, University of Delaware

Are police being asked to do too much?North Charleston, CC BY-SA

Children across the U.S. have now returned to school. Many of these children are going to schools with sworn police officers patrolling the hallways. These officers, usually called school resource officers, are placed in schools across the country to help maintain school safety.

Accordi...