How selfies and family photos put 300 million years of evolution on display
Much like the hair you carefully rearrange before a selfie, your cheek muscles and the accompanying smile date back about 250 million years.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Obama could have done more for Africa by supporting pro-democracy protests
Demonstrations in sub-Saharan Africa have not been met with the same the praise that was poured on the Arab Spring uprisings.
The Western Indian Ocean’s blue economy can thrive. Here’s how
The ocean can no longer be viewed as a limitless space for free access for all. It needs to be managed over its entirety
Beware The Slenderman: how users created the Boogieman of the internet
From photoshopped images, to fake eye-witness accounts, to a real-life attempted murder, the Slenderman is the internet's urban myth.
African footballers face an allegiance problem: country versus club
The sheer number of top African footballers playing in foreign leagues is one of the most notable trends of the current Africa Cup of Nations tournament. It has an impact on the African game too.
It’s time South Africa tuned into Africa’s views about its role on the continent
South Africa considers itself to be playing a key role in promoting the 'African Agenda' in continental and world affairs. But perceptions in the rest of Africa tell a different story.
Invisible irrigators: how small-scale Tanzanian farmers are making a difference
Official statistics in Tanzania do not capture small-scale irrigation, meaning that it's impact is unclear. Yet new research reveals that it's two to three times greater than previously thought
Rich and famous lifestyles are damaging the environment in untold ways
Cars, clothes, diamonds and jets: it's time we addressed just how much the wealthy are hurting the planet.
‘Peace and hope for all mankind’: the stellar legacy of the last moon landing
Often eclipsed by Apollo 11, the final manned moonshot left far more than bootprints in the dust. In these troubling times, it also left us with a lasting message of hope.
What southern Africa can learn from west Africa about dealing with despots
SADC's credibility is at stake. Its lack of political will in acting decisively against despots is at odds with the African Union's goal of promoting legitimate governance on the continent.
Mobile phones offer a new way for Africa’s students to learn programming
Computer programming is best learned through practice, but students in developing economies don't always have access to desktop or laptop computers. Mobile phones may be the solution.
How night club bouncers police the social order - from Berlin to Johannesburg
Both Berlin and Johannesburg are at the centre of their respective countries' night cultures. Both cities have undergone fundamental social transitions since 1990.
Bird flu outbreak in Uganda: some key facts about the virus
Since regular monitoring for avian influenza viruses started, several subtypes that have been circulating - but not all pose a threat to humans.
ICC expands definition of war crimes to cover combatants in the same armed forces
Acts of rape and sexual slavery committed by members of a Congolese armed group against other members are war crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
Public health
How Kenya can ensure adequate health care for its older people
With an increased demand for health care for older people, Kenya needs to pass legislation that protects them.
Why it’s hard to run a mass measles campaign in Nigeria’s war-torn states
Running an effective mass immunisation campaign, vaccinating children in Nigeria against measles is a logistical nightmare.
Rest of the world
From colonial Algeria to modern day Europe, the Muslim veil remains an ideological battleground
The veil has long been a form of resistance.
The changing nature of America’s irreligious explained
Americans are increasingly choosing not to identify with any religious tradition. But this group of irreligious people is a complex one – with different relationships to religion.
The Trump presidency
Dear President Trump: let me share some home truths about Africa with you
Donald J. Trump is the new man in charge of the US, and Africa seems to have little cause for celebration. But what does the new Commander-in-Chief really think of the continent?
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Brain structure
What your brain structure says about your personality
Are you neurotic? This may be due to a thick cerebral cortex
End of the world
Six cosmic catastrophes that could wipe out life on Earth
If we survive for another 7.59 billion years, our planet will spiral into the outer layers of the dying sun and melt away forever.
Art vs Trump
Shepard Fairey’s inauguration posters may define political art in Trump era
The posters that have become the voice of protest against Trump.
Primates on the brink
60% of primate species now threatened with extinction, says major new study
Our closest relatives are being wiped out and it's all our fault.
Venus
Astronomers spot strange, bow-like structure in Venus’ atmosphere
Enormous odd feature presents puzzle for scientists.
Fake news in 33BC
The fake news that sealed the fate of Antony and Cleopatra
Was a forged document responsible for the defeat of Mark Antony and the rise of Rome's first emperor?
Kids and kindness
To honor Dr. King, pediatricians offer four tips to teach kindness to kids
Children learn hatred and violence, two pediatricians write, and they also learn love and respect. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, the two doctors offer things you can do to teach tolerance.
Out of sync
Playing it safe: A brief history of lip-syncing
From The Monkees to Mariah Carey, lip-syncers have been getting mocked for decades.
Bots vs trolls
Fighting online trolls with bots
Automated systems that watch online chats and flag racist, sexist and bullying behavior could help curtail internet abuse.
Teaching of Islam
What’s missing in the teaching of Islam
The teaching of Islam is often limited to its religious practice. How Christians, Jews and Muslims borrowed freely from each other in the realm of art, music, and literature is seldom discussed.
Major Tom
I spent a year as David Bowie – and had some very strange days
Spending a year living life as David Bowie gave me a better understanding of the pop icon’s mind and work.
Dinosaur on tour
How to flat-pack a dinosaur
The Natural History Museum's 'Dippy' the diplodocus skeleton is about to be become a giant 3D jigsaw.
Bad grammar lessons
Things you were taught at school that are wrong
Were your teachers right about when to use commas, and about not starting sentences with 'and'?
The night sky
Look up! Your guide to some of the best meteor showers for 2017
2017 is looking to be a spectacular year for meteor showers. So here's what to look out for in both the northern and southern skies.
How we are different
10 reasons
Most Read past week
- Dear President Trump: let me share some home truths about Africa with you
- Mobile phones offer a new way for Africa’s students to learn programming
- What southern Africa can learn from west Africa about dealing with despots
- Trump vs Africa: how the continent can counter destructive policies
- Why you shouldn’t wrap your food in aluminium foil before cooking it
Pitch an idea
Got a news tip or article idea for The Conversation?
Our Audience
The Conversation has a monthly audience of 3.7 million users, and reach of 35 million through Creative Commons republication.
Want to Write?
Write an article and join a growing community of more than 45,200 academics and researchers from 1,904 institutions.