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In 2017, academic authors explained to The Conversation’s readers new research on slavery’s legacy, Saturn’s moons, Obamacare, fidget spinners and just about every topic in between.

Of the more than 1700 stories The Conversation US published, we culled from the list 10 that were especially popular with readers and republishers, and asked you which ones made a lasting impression on you.

We don’t know what the New Year will bring, but we can promise that The Conversation will bring you thoughtful, fact-based analysis from experts on the events large and small of 2018.

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Top vote-getter
A supporter of President Donald Trump, center, argues with a counterprotester at a rally in Boston on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

How should we protest neo-Nazis? Lessons from German history

Laurie Marhoefer, University of Washington

We have an ethical obligation to stand against fascists and racists in a way that doesn't help them.

Runner-up
pimchawee

With teen mental health deteriorating over five years, there's a likely culprit

Jean Twenge, San Diego State University

According to a new analysis, the number of US teens who felt "useless" and "joyless" grew 33 percent between 2010 and 2015, and there was a 23 percent increase in suicide attempts.

The rest

The 'internet of things' is sending us back to the Middle Ages

Joshua A.T. Fairfield, Washington and Lee University

The companies that make our digital devices think – and act – like they still own them, even after we've bought them. Are we becoming digital serfs?

How a Christian movement is growing rapidly in the midst of religious decline

Brad Christerson, Biola University; Richard Flory, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

A Christian movement led by popular independent religious entrepreneurs, often referred to as 'apostles,' is changing the religious landscape of America.

Kindergartners get little time to play. Why does it matter?

Christopher P. Brown, University of Texas at Austin

Kindergarteners are under tremendous pressure – doing as many as 15 academic activities in a day, with a shorter recess time. What is the long-term impact?

White House in turmoil shows why Trump's no CEO

Bert Spector, Northeastern University

He campaigned on the notion that his business experience would equip him to 'make America great again,' but running a family company is poor training for the presidency.

Why can't cats resist thinking inside the box?

Nicholas Dodman, Tufts University

Twitter recently blew up with posts wondering about the feline fascination with taped squares on the ground. An animal behavior expert explains it's not magic that draws Fluffy to the #CatSquare.

Are Puerto Ricans really American citizens?

Charles R. Venator-Santiago, University of Connecticut

Over the years, Puerto Ricans have in fact been granted three different types of U.S. citizenship, but questions about their rights and equal treatment as citizens still remain.

Stop obsessing over talent—everyone can sing

Steven M. Demorest, Northwestern University

Children with difficulty singing can be labelled as 'nonmusical' by parents, teachers and pop culture. This toxic idea of 'talent' can deprive people of music's benefits for the rest of their lives.

A deadly herpes virus is threatening oysters around the world

Colleen Burge, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Oysters grow in seawater and filter their food from it, so how do you shield them from waterborne diseases? Scientists are working to develop strains that are resistant to a fast-spreading herpes virus.

Write-in votes