Why you can't kick that cough | Top 10

+ what is a UFO? US Edition - Today's top story: A nagging cough can hang on for weeks or months following a respiratory illness – and there is precious little you can do about it [View in browser]( US Edition | 19 February 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Happy Sunday. Welcome to the best of The Conversation. Just published: - [Do we need political parties? In theory, they could bring Americans together]( - [Political fallout from Turkey earthquake matters to recovery]( I visited friends and family in Cincinnati, Ohio, last week, downstream from where a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month. The Ohio River is a source of water for millions of people – not just in Ohio, but also in West Virginia and Kentucky. My family was uneasily eyeing the tap, but the health risks from the spill are still unclear, particularly over the longer term. Andrew Whelton is an environmental engineer at Purdue University who investigates chemical risks from disasters. [Our environment desk asked him about what is likely to happen with the chemicals that were spilled]( – and the risks they might pose. Later this week, we’ll bring you stories about the evolution of human imagination, the culture of diversity in U.S. soccer and a series of stories marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Emily Costello Managing Editor Readers' picks Relentless coughing after a viral infection can be frustrating and worrisome, but in most cases, coughs resolve over time. The Good Brigade/DigitalVision via Getty Images [A nagging cough can hang on for weeks or months following a respiratory illness – and there is precious little you can do about it]( Kyle B. Enfield, University of Virginia Some coughs can last for weeks or even months following an upper respiratory infection. The good news – albeit not very satisfying – is that most eventually go away on their own. - [Cancer evolution is mathematical – how random processes and epigenetics can explain why tumor cells shape-shift, metastasize and resist treatments]( Andrew Feinberg, Johns Hopkins University An epigenetic model of cancer that incorporates the concept of stochasticity could also explain why cancer risk increases with age and how biological development can be reversible. - [How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? An environmental engineer assesses the long-term risks]( Andrew J. Whelton, Purdue University The slow release of information about the chemical spill and results of air and water tests have left many questions about the risks and long-term impact. - [Patrick Mahomes injury: An ankle surgeon explains what a high ankle sprain is and how it might affect Mahomes in the Super Bowl]( MaCalus V. Hogan, University of Pittsburgh Sprained ankles are a common injury to anyone who plays sports and usually not a serious concern. But with an NFL championship on the line, the specifics of an ankle injury and how to treat it matter. - [Was Earth already heating up, or did global warming reverse a long-term cooling trend?]( Ellie Broadman, University of Arizona; Darrell Kaufman, Northern Arizona University Evidence in Earth’s natural archives, from tree rings to seafloor sediments, points to one trend. Some climate models suggest another. Editors' picks The case stems from USPS’ deal with Amazon to deliver on Sundays. mcdomx/E+ via Getty Images [How far must employers go to accommodate workers’ time off for worship? The Supreme Court will weigh in]( Charles J. Russo, University of Dayton Employers navigating employees’ requests for religious accommodations face some confusing guidance. A new Supreme Court case could clarify – and shift the norm. - [Seismologists can’t predict an impending earthquake, but longer term forecasts and brief warnings after one starts are possible]( Harold Tobin, University of Washington The idea that scientists could warn a region that a big quake was coming at a certain time – with enough advance notice for large-scale preparation and evacuation – remains a dream, not a reality. - [Chocolate chemistry – a food scientist explains how the beloved treat gets its flavor, texture and tricky reputation as an ingredient]( Sheryl Barringer, The Ohio State University There’s a lot of interesting science behind the fermenting, roasting, grinding and melting that turns chocolate into the bars, bonbons and baked goods you know and love. - [Big Oil’s trade group allies outspent clean energy groups by a whopping 27x, with billions in ads and lobbying to keep fossil fuels flowing]( Christian Downie, Australian National University; Robert Brulle, Brown University Researchers looked at a decade of political spending by the oil and gas industry and others engaged in climate policy. If money talks, one side had a giant megaphone. - [What is a UFO? The US shot down three mysterious objects as interest and concern increase over unidentified craft]( Wendy Whitman Cobb, Air University There are thousands of sightings of UFOs – or ‘unidentified aerial phenomena’ as the US government prefers to call them – every year. News Quiz 🧠- [The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz]( Questions this week on UFOs, Israel, Turkey and something Americans eat a whole lot of. Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our other weekly emails: [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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