Academic Minute

Sudan’s Civil War: A New Haven for Al Qaeda

Thu, 06/27/2024 - 01:46 PM

Al Qaeda may be exploiting a weakness in an African state in crisis. In today’s Academic Minute, a Student Spotlight, American University’s Sara Harmouch explores how.

Patterns and Gaps in Award-Winning LGBTQ Children’s Books

Wed, 06/26/2024 - 01:40 PM

LGBTQ children’s books are now on the shelves, but do they tell the full story? In today’s Academic Minute, Fitchburg State University’s Wendy Keyser says there is more to explore.

The Misunderstood Politics of the Energy Transition

Tue, 06/25/2024 - 04:01 PM

Who is to blame for slowing the transition to a low-carbon-energy future? In today’s Academic Minute, the University of Texas at Austin’s David Spence has some ideas.

How Early Texas Settler Groups Got Along

Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:25 AM

There’s still a lot to learn and understand about early settlements in Texas. In today’s Academic Minute, Texas A&M University–San Antonio’s Francis Galan sheds some light on the complexities of Spanish settlements in the state.

Dependence on Bottled Water Worsens Social Inequality

Sun, 06/23/2024 - 11:00 AM

Bottled water can be a panacea during a crisis, but it can also worsen inequality afterward. In today’s Academic Minute, Portland State University’s Daniel Jaffee explores why.

What a ‘Hell Chicken’ Can Tell Us About Dinosaur Extinction

Thu, 06/20/2024 - 10:15 AM

The extinction of the dinosaurs is still being studied. In today’s Academic Minute, a Student Spotlight, Oklahoma State University’s Kyle Atkins-Weltman explores a new finding that can change our understanding of the event.

Why Do People Have Different Musical Preferences?

Wed, 06/19/2024 - 12:21 PM

Some love a song; others can’t stand it. But why? In today’s Academic Minute, Auburn University’s Jane Kuehne has a music theory.

The Power of Everyday Object Colors in Emotional Healing

Tue, 06/18/2024 - 02:17 PM

The colors in your personal spaces could have a big impact on your mood. In today’s Academic Minute, Boise State University’s Niusha Jones explores why.

Lightning Safety

Mon, 06/17/2024 - 03:34 PM

Some places get more than others, but lightning is always dangerous. In today’s Academic Minute, the University of Wisconsin at Madison’s Chris Vagasky explores this natural phenomenon.

Making Delivery Driver Parking More Efficient

Sun, 06/16/2024 - 01:40 PM

Delivery drivers don’t have it easy when it comes to parking, so how can we improve this? In today’s Academic Minute, the University of Iowa’s Ann Melissa Campbell looks into it.