The Conversation U.S.

Beware of “magic mushrooms” 🍄 Psilocybin use is rising fast, but research and regulation are still catching up. That means many people are using psychedelic mushrooms without clear guidance on risks or safe use. theconversation.com/magic-mushro...

A time capsule of immigrant history is opened up for display at the Smithsonian. In 2005, 26 steamer trunks were found in the basement of a fraternal lodge in Stockton, California.

The best satirists don’t just make people laugh. They help people understand power. And with that in mind, Colbert is among the best. As the “Late Show” comes to a close, a comedy scholar looks back at how Colbert used satire to explain complex topics: theconversation.com/5-reasons-st...

A former Department of Justice lawyer spent years warning that presidents could use the little-known Judgment Fund as a political piggy bank. ⬇️

Why does grilled food taste so good? 🔥 It’s all about the chemistry of cooking over an open flame. Heat, smoke and char create the smoky flavor, crispy texture and juicy bite that make barbecue hard to resist. theconversation.com/what-makes-s... #MemorialDay #summer #science

The best satirists don’t just make people laugh. They help people understand power. And with that in mind, Colbert is among the best. As the “Late Show” comes to a close, a comedy scholar looks back at how Colbert used satire to explain complex topics: theconversation.com/5-reasons-st...

With crude oil hitting a four-year high recently, filling up your car isn’t getting cheaper anytime soon. According to a Georgia Tech energy economist, the price you pay at the pump comes from four things: crude oil, refining, distribution and marketing, and taxes.

Eclipses are a fantastic sight, whether you’re on Earth or in space. A cultural anthropologist who studies the awe-inspiring side of space exploration shares what it’s like to witness not one, but two total solar eclipses.

Yes, helmets really are important. As busy as your brain cells are, they are also incredibly soft and squishy. In fact, your brain has the consistency of jello. And like jello, it is very vulnerable, especially to physical forces, such as a fall or a sudden jolt.

Eclipses are a fantastic sight, whether you’re on Earth or in space. ⬇️ A cultural anthropologist who studies the awe-inspiring side of space exploration shares what it’s like to witness not one, but two total solar eclipses 💫 theconversation.com/seeing-an-ec... #space #science

Data centers coming to Pennsylvania alone could use enough electricity to power 11 million homes. That’s almost double the number of households across the state!

Cremation is now the most common burial choice in the U.S., but it’s not always what most people actually want. It’s often the less expensive option (~$2K for cremation vs. $10K+ for burial), so cost is a factor. (Thread ⬇️)

Is there a moral case for war in Iran? Catholic leaders are turning to a centuries-old idea to weigh today’s conflicts — including the war with Iran. It’s called “just war” theory, and it asks: is this war necessary, justified and truly a last resort?

It’s a bad year for rotavirus, according to the CDC. What’s extra concerning is how rotavirus cases started rising earlier than usual this year, which means more children are getting sick over a longer period of time.

Cities like Tampa, KC and Chicago are considering investing a lot of $$$ in stadium districts built around food, shopping and nightlife – all with the promise they’ll boost the local economy. But they actual cost taxpayers millions. By @jcbradbury.com: theconversation.com/sorry-tampa-...

80-year-old US Rep David Scott died on Thursday – but there are plenty of elders in Congress and Washington’s halls of power. Nearly 1 in 5 members are over 70. Charlie Hunt, who studies politics, has a look at some of the reasons why Washington has gone gray: theconversation.com/why-is-congr...

Are prayers led by government officials a sign of religious freedom or a First Amendment problem? A former federal judge warns SCOTUS is loosening limits on government establishment of religion — risking a drift the founders sought to avoid. theconversation.com/why-pete-heg...

The U.S. sends nearly 38 million tons of food waste to landfills each year. But it doesn't have to be that way.

There’s more than one way to say “Iran.” And according to linguists, those differences can carry meaning, from political identity to how closely a speaker aligns with native pronunciation.

Splashdown incoming 🌊🚀 After 10 days around the Moon, #ArtemisII returns to Earth tonight (April 10, 5:07 PT / 8:07 ET) — testing heat shields that have had problems in the past, as well as parachutes and a carefully engineered ocean landing designed to bring astronauts home safely.