The Curiosity Gap Content

The Conversation: How are Humans Different From Other Animals?

Karen Michele Nikos — March 19, 2025 - 1:35pm

Of the 8.7 million species on Earth, why are human beings the only one that paints self-portraits, walks on the Moon and worships gods?

For decades, many scholars have argued that the difference stems from our ability to learn from each other. Through techniques such as teaching and imitation, we can create and transmit complicated information over many generations.

The Conversation: Do Environmental Protection Laws Still Apply Under Trump?

Karen Michele Nikos — March 13, 2025 - 2:10pm

Environmental protection laws still apply even under Trump’s national energy emergency — here’s why

In response to President Donald Trump’s declaration of a “national energy emergency,” the U.S.

The Conversation: Can the Trump Administration Legally Deport Palestinian Rights Advocate Mahmoud Khalil?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 13, 2025 - 9:49am

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the government will deport lawful permanent residents who support Hamas and came to the U.S. as students “with an intent rile up all kinds of anti-Jewish student, antisemitic activities,” referencing the Palestinian rights protests at universities in 2024.

How Do 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Scholars Tackle Antisemitism and Islamophobia?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 12, 2025 - 3:29pm

It was still early days of the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza when, seeing strong emotions and division erupting on their campus, two scholars at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis decided to come together and take action.

How Do Pilgrimage Sites Arise?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — March 04, 2025 - 8:12am

Pilgrimages are ubiquitous across all major world religions. From the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival on the banks of India’s Ganges River, to Mecca, the birthplace of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, millions of people travel to various sites across the globe to engage in rituals and connect with their faith.

How Does Investment in Black Communities Help Everyone?

Karen Michele Nikos — February 21, 2025 - 9:50am

This story is part of California Voices, a commentary forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and spotlight Californians directly impacted by policy or its absence. Learn more here.

What is Birthright Citizenship?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — February 21, 2025 - 9:21am

Gregory Downs, a constitutional scholar and professor of history in the College of Lette

Is There Too Much Administrative Burden in Accessing SNAP and WIC Benefits?

Jamie Sara Gelfond — February 06, 2025 - 2:35am

In a recent study done by 51�ԹϺ�� Davis professors Marianne Bitler and Seojung Oh as well as University of Utah professors Jason Cook and Paige Rowberry, evidence was found of a new form of benefit redemption cycle in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), different from that seen with Food Stamps.

How Does Kumbh Mela Connect India's Present to its Past?

Karen Michele Nikos — January 16, 2025 - 10:23am

People from all walks of life in India are now gathering for the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Ganges River where it meets and mixes with the water of the Yamuna and Sarasvati. The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which takes place every 12 years, and is the largest, pulls together multiple strands of India’s deep cultural past and its status today as the second-most populous nation in the world with international influence and ambition to reach for the stars.

The Conversation: Why Does Red Wine Cause Headaches?

Karen Michele Nikos — December 18, 2024 - 11:16am

Medical accounts of red wine headaches go back to Roman times, but the experience is likely as old as winemaking – something like 10,000 years. As chemists specializing in winemaking, we wanted to try to figure out the source of these headaches.