The Conversation Daily — July 17, 2026
10 stories · July 17, 2026
In this issue
- 1
Why you let down your guard on ads when scrolling on social media
theconversation.com · Matthew Pittman, Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Tennessee
Even a few seconds of scrolling will tire your brain and make you more open to bold advertising claims. Money Knack on Unsplash, CC BY My wife stared at me in shock as I ripped opened the package. The…
- 2
Autistic children drown at alarming rates - swim lessons and water safety strategies can save their lives
theconversation.com · Tana Carson, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Florida International University · Tania Santiago Perez, Associate Teaching Professor of Rehabilitation and Recreational Therapy, Florida International University
Autistic children's risk of drowning is up to 160 times greater than that of their neurotypical peers. Wavebreakmedia/iStock via Getty Images Plus During roasting-hot summer days, more and more people…
- 3
Screen time guidelines for kids and adolescents have shifted as research paints a more nuanced picture
theconversation.com · Gabriel E. Hales, Research Fellow in Media and Information, Michigan State University
What kids are doing on tablets seems to matter more than how long they use them. PeopleImages/iStock via Getty Images Concerns surrounding young people’s screen time are widespread. Australia became…
- 4
Bees of many species contain tiny magnetic particles – suggesting they may have an innate magnetic compass for navigation
theconversation.com · Laura Russo, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee
Scientists don't know how insects use a magnetic sense to navigate. Laura Russo A surprisingly large number and diversity of bee species – 74 out of 96 tested – have magnetic properties, according to…
- 5
Why Trump’s move to gut the Endangered Species Act likely won’t hold up in court
theconversation.com · Patrick Parenteau, Professor of Law Emeritus, Vermont Law & Graduate School
Piping plovers lay their eggs on the ground. They became an endangered species as development encroached on their habitat and made it harder for their chicks to survive. Under the Same Moon/Flickr, CC…
- 6
Yes, breathing wildfire smoke can harm your health – here’s what you can do to protect yourself
theconversation.com · Colleen E. Reid, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Colorado Boulder
Heavy wildfire smoke from Canada's forests turn skies orange in Toronto and across parts of the U.S. in July 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images Wildfire smoke from fires burning in…
- 7
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs, yet its presence is ubiquitous in social settings and celebrations
theconversation.com · Emma Fenske, Addiction Medicine Fellow and Internal Medicine Physician, Oregon Health & Science University
Alcohol is woven into the thread of American life, from work events to major holidays and everything in between. TravisLincoln/iStock via Getty Images Plus Few substances are as deeply woven into…
- 8
How did it feel to be an American colonist in 1776? Probably itchy, achy and slightly nauseated
theconversation.com · Katherine Ott, Curator of Medicine and Science, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
Life went on in the late 18th century, regardless of your everyday ailments. Archive Photos/Getty Images Trade the tricorn hats, bonnets and homespun shirts for flip flops, sneakers and soccer…
- 9
How health insurers get a free pass to deny coverage from a 52-year-old law meant to protect worker pensions
theconversation.com · Miranda Yaver, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh
Hurdles in accessing health insurance are major drivers of health and economic inequities. veeranggull orachon/iStock via Getty Images Plus Florence Corcoran, an employee of South Central Bell…
- 10
Supreme Court bars states from protecting consumers if federal agencies won’t
theconversation.com · Sarah J. Morath, Professor of Law and Associate Dean for International Affairs, Wake Forest University
As of April 2026, the U.S. government has not required a warning label on Roundup weed killer. AP Photo/Haven Daley Chemical giant Monsanto has argued for years that if the U.S. Environmental…