The Conversation Daily — August 25, 2026
10 stories · August 25, 2026
In this issue
- 1
Lactose intolerance is actually the human norm – but racism, the US government and business interests have made it into a condition
theconversation.com · Hilary Smith, Professor of History, University of Denver
The majority of the world is unable to process the lactose in milk without uncomfortable symptoms Olga Miltsova/iStock via Getty Images Plus Lactose intolerance makes drinking milk or eating ice cream…
- 2
‘Male’ and ‘female’ plugs and connectors – gendered language for the ends of garden hoses, electrical cords and pipe fittings sparks debate
theconversation.com · Jo Mackiewicz, Professor of Rhetoric and Professional Communication, Iowa State University · Jordan Smith, Assistant Professor of English, University of Northern Colorado
Male and female or plug and socket? artpartner-images/The Image Bank via Getty Images Hopefully to mean “I hope”; singular “they”; “primary bedroom” instead of “master bedroom” – all are examples of…
- 3
Shifting the cleanup cost of packaging waste to companies could encourage greener packaging – but only if states are aligned
theconversation.com · Erin Victor, Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability, University of Maine
Some state legislatures are seeking ways to alleviate anxieties about plastic waste. Rowanswiki/Wikimedia Commons Standing in your local retail store, it can be mind-boggling to try to weigh the pros…
- 4
From flames to haze, wildfire smoke transforms as it travels, and it can harm your health in different ways
theconversation.com · Michael A. Robinson, Research Scientist in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Colorado Boulder
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires has turned New York City's sky a hazy orange several times in recent years. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images As wildfire smoke plumes travel thousands of miles,…
- 5
Relentless heat and drought take a toll on herders’ physical and mental health, in Kenya and the US
theconversation.com · Anne Pisor, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Demography, Penn State · Bonface Osindi, Data Scientist in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Global Health-Kenya, Washington State University
A herder helps to move a flock of sheep near California's border with Mexico to graze on alfalfa in 2025. Scott Olson/Getty Images If being outside in the heat for even a few minutes felt miserable…
- 6
Syringe litter did not increase after a needle exchange ban was overturned in Pueblo, Colorado, but health services suffered
theconversation.com · Pranav Padmanabhan, Professional Research Assistant, University of Colorado Anschutz · Katherine LeMasters, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Boulder · Paul Christine, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz
Critics of needle exchange programs often express concerns about syringe litter. Spencer Platt/Getty Images The City Council of Pueblo, Colorado, voted to ban the distribution of syringes through…
- 7
Do more than half of Philadelphia adults really read at or below 5th grade level? It’s time for a new way to describe what they know
theconversation.com · Jennifer D. Kobrin, Assistant Professor of Adult and Continuing Education, University of Tennessee
Many adult learners take classes not to get a new job but to be able to help with their children's education. kali9/E+ Collection via Getty Images Over half of Philadelphia adults ages 18-64 read at a…
- 8
New tech adds phone tracking to license plate readers, associating devices with identifiable cars
theconversation.com · Nicole M. Bennett, Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Assistant Director at the Center for Refugee Studies, Indiana University
License plate readers like this one could soon be joined by sensors that detect phones inside passing cars. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Imagine that you share a ride to work with the same colleague…
- 9
Chronic pain is missing from America’s heat warnings
theconversation.com · Feinuo Sun, Assistant Professor of Demographics, Sociology and Population Health, University of Texas at Arlington
Fans can help circulate air, but on a hot day they do little for people working in a Mississippi farmer's market AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis When a heat wave arrives, the public health advice follows a…
- 10
Cyclospora spreads through human waste – so how did it get on food?
theconversation.com · Joan Rose, Professor of Water Research; Director, Water Alliance, Michigan State University
A sign warns passers-by that irrigation in the area uses treated sewage wastewater. Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images The nationwide cyclospora outbreak is very likely a…