The Conversation Daily — June 22, 2026
7 stories · June 22, 2026
In this issue
- 1
Anyone can fake a scientific image with AI, tricking even academic journals – and undermining trust in science
theconversation.com · Nan Li, Associate Professor of Science Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Are you able to tell the difference between a scientific image made by a person or by an AI model? Olga Yastremska/iStock via Getty Images A photograph of Earth glowing in deep space, the Moon’s…
- 2
From Norway to Wisconsin, children want to be social media influencers when they grow up
theconversation.com · Matthew Simoneau, Professor of Career and Techcnical Education, University of Wisconsin-Stout
Children are often asked in school and other places what they want to be when they grow up. Jamie Grill/Stock Photos A second grader in Norway drew a YouTube logo when my colleagues and I asked what…
- 3
Bones communicate with the rest of the body to support overall health – here’s the science behind your skeleton
theconversation.com · Priya Bhardwaj, Senior Researcher in Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis
Healing after a fracture is just one way your bones contribute to your body's overall health. seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Moment via Getty Images Each year, doctors treat more than 6 million bone fractures…
- 4
Childhood experiences of LGBTQ+ stigma can harm romantic relationships decades later – psychologists explain how to reconnect with yourself and your partner
theconversation.com · Melissa Gates, Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology, Binghamton University, State University of New York · Christina Balderrama-Durbin, Associate Professor of Psychology, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Difficult experiences you had as a child may be putting a wedge between you and your partner. Dmytro Betsenko/Moment via Getty Images Childhood rejection, discrimination and bullying can affect your…
- 5
Longtime Exxon CEO Lee Raymond’s legacy of climate denial and misinformation lives on – a psychologist offers ways to counter it
theconversation.com · Joe Árvai, Professor of Psychology, Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
ExxonMobil CEO Lee Raymond, left, and other oil company heads testify about energy pricing and profits at a Congressional hearing in November 2005. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images When the Exxon Valdez…
- 6
Should you swim in Pittsburgh’s rivers? A water researcher breaks down the answer
theconversation.com · Daniel Bain, Associate Professor of Geology & Environmental Science, University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's three rivers are monitored for water quality under federal Clean Water Act standards. pawel.gaul/E+ collection via Getty Images In May, newly drafted Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard…
- 7
Why do baseball players put a black mark under their eyes?
theconversation.com · Adam Annaccone, Clinical Associate Professor of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington
Applying eye black is an important part of prepping for a game for some players. Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox via Getty Images Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a…