The Conversation Daily — August 12, 2026
10 stories · August 12, 2026
In this issue
- 1
Layoffs tied to AI hurt worker productivity – and the reason may surprise managers
theconversation.com · Mark Ma, Professor of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh
When companies announce layoffs as a result of AI, they overlook the damaging effect on workers' morale. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Business leaders and investors face a deepening paradox: Companies…
- 2
As oil profits skyrocket, calls for windfall taxes rise
theconversation.com · Tibor Besedeš, Professor of Economics, Georgia Institute of Technology
Oil companies are making big bucks these days. Hengki Lestio/iStock / Getty Images Plus When Chevron reported its highest quarterly profit in six years on July 31, 2026, it was just one detail in a…
- 3
Green roofs can help cool cities in the summer heat, but building them is only the first step – many don’t survive
theconversation.com · Taylor Wishart, Ph.D. Student in Environmental Science, University of Tennessee
The rooftop of the Javits Center in New York is still thriving, but others have struggled. Xinhua/Wang Lei via Getty Images As summer temperatures soar across the United States and Europe, cities are…
- 4
Executive order on vaccines bypasses an evidence-based process that has kept kids safe
theconversation.com · Jake Scott, Clinical Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University
President Donald Trump's executive order, signed on Aug. 10, 2026, supports Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's vaccine agenda. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin President Donald Trump…
- 5
For refugees to the US, discrimination can make healthcare harder to get
theconversation.com · Hyojin Im, Associate Professor of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University
It can be hard to pin down why an experience at the doctor's office felt off. A boy and the sea/E+ via Getty Images Newly arrived refugees resettling in the United States face ending one long journey…
- 6
‘Starwashing’: How space companies use the greenwashing playbook while engaging in environmentally damaging practices
theconversation.com · Marissa E. Yingling, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Louisville
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying an all-female crew, including musician Katy Perry, lifted off in 2025. Justin Hamel/Getty Images From launchpads to low Earth orbit and beyond, space…
- 7
China is shaping the future of open-source technology – including AI
theconversation.com · Christopher K. Tong, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Chinese AI companies such as Minimax made a big splash during the World AI Conference in Shanghai in July 2026. AP Photo/Ng Han Guan As you read this article on your computer or smartphone, you are…
- 8
Flesh-eating bacteria are devouring limbs in warming waters worldwide − here’s how to protect yourself
theconversation.com · Bill Sullivan, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University
_Vibrio vulnificus_ infections are spreading across the U.S. because of climate change CDC/Colorized by James Gathany Flesh-eating bacteria sounds like the premise of a bad horror movie, but it’s a…
- 9
Wildfires can contaminate nearby homes and water systems – here’s what Spokane’s returning residents need to know
theconversation.com · Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University
Smoke from burning buildings and vehicles, such as Spokane, Wash., experienced in August 2026, can carry harmful pollutants into neighboring homes. Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images When fire…
- 10
Play is essential for young children, including when it comes to their learning
theconversation.com · Kelley Mayer White, Professor, College of Charleston
Dramatic play can improve children’s emotion regulation, among other benefits. Ariel Skelley/Photodisc via Getty Images Prioritizing play offers a variety of benefits for children, from helping them…