Conversation authors regularly deploy their specialist knowledge to explain fast moving events, often as sometimes harrowing details are becoming clearer by the hour. Such journalism is at the heart of what we do, seeking to bring informed, reliable analysis amid situations that can be subject to rumour, conjecture and misinformation.

Rarely though are our authors as close to a dangerous turn of events as Jack L Rozdilsky, of York University, Canada was just a few days ago. As an associate professor of disaster and emergency management, Rozdilsky has analyzed Canadian mass shootings. Indeed, he’s written multiple times for The Conversation. On the evening of December 18, five people were killed in a mass shooting at a condominium north of Toronto. “But this mass shooting was different for me,” writes Rozdilsky. “That’s because I live in the building.” Read his full, frank, and informed account of the evening below.

And check out the latest episode of our Discovery series of podcasts, where we interview one researcher about fascinating new findings. This week, at a time that sees one reindeer dominate the headlines because of its red nose, we find that all reindeer are even more remarkable, thanks to their eyes.

Have a happy, restful and safe holiday period. And look out for ongoing updates from The Conversation.

All the very best,

Stephen Khan

Executive Editor, The Conversation International

Discovery podcast
Reindeer have adapted to the dim, blue light of the Arctic winter. Alice/Wikimedia Commons

Reindeer eyes change color, putting Rudolph’s red nose in the shade – new research podcast

Daniel Merino, The Conversation

In winter, light in the northern latitudes is dim and very blue compared to summer light. Reindeer eyes have evolved to be better suited at seeing in this unique environment.

  • The lenses of fishes’ eyes record their lifetime exposure to toxic mercury, new research finds

    Roxanne Razavi, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Hadis Miraly, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Karin Limburg, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

    A new study shows that a time stamp can be put on mercury that accumulates in fish eyes, offering a window into their lifetime exposure.

How Gen Z is using social media in Iran’s Women, Life, Freedom movement

Farinaz Basmechi, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Younger Iranians have tapped into social media to connect with one another, vocalize their demands and highlight the government’s brutality.

Five options for restoring global biodiversity after the UN agreement

Henrik Svedäng, Stockholm University

The UN biodiversity summit COP15 in Montreal is over. Here’s what should happen next.