Check out the most read authors in The Conversation

In 2024 articles by Essex researchers were read more than 2.2 million times on The Conversation.

In partnership with The Conversation’s editorial team our academics have published nearly 120 articles covering all the big world events including landmark elections in the United States and the United Kingdom. They have also offered insights into many other issues from health and relationships through to economics and technology.

We cannot showcase all the amazing articles published this year, but you can see all the articles by Essex authors on our dedicated page on The Conversation.

Most read authors in 2024

Sex machina: in the wild west world of human-AI relationships, the lonely and vulnerable are most at risk

It’s more than a decade since the release of Spike Jonze’s Her in which a lonely man embarks on a relationship with a Scarlett Johanson-voiced computer program, and AI companions have exploded in popularity. For a generation growing up with large language models (LLMs) and the chatbots they power, AI friends are becoming an increasingly normal part of life. Dr James Muldoon discusses his ongoing research on the human elements of AI, including his conversations with AI companion app developers, users, psychologists and academics about the possibilities and risks of this new technology. Read more

Want to build muscle? Why carbs could be just as important as protein

High-protein, low-carb diets have long been considered the gold standard method for gym-goers and bodybuilders aiming to gain muscle and lose fat. But one bodybuilding champion has shown that this might not necessarily be the only way of achieving a chiselled physique. Dr Henry Chung (with Professor Justin Roberts and Joseph Lillis) discusses the science. Read more

What Syria’s rebel takeover means for the region’s major players: Turkey, Iran and Russia

Professor Natasha Lindstaedt looks at the situation in Syria and the implications for regional interests. Read more

Is Reform really pulling ahead of Labour? Polling expert on what to really make of Farage's supposed lead

Much has been made of the news that Reform has overtaken Labour in voting intentions in a recent poll. The poll, produced by market research agency Find Out Now, put the Conservatives on 26%, Reform on 24% and Labour on 23%. Professor Paul Whiteley explains how to understand the latest polling. Read more

Who really holds the purse strings? Why it matters which partner decides where the money goes

In an era of increasing financial complexity, who really calls the shots when it comes to investing your household’s savings? This question has significant implications for financial health and overall wellbeing. Dr Ran Gu explains. Read more

How Haiti became a failed state

Professor Nicolas Forsans discusses the factors which have led to instability in Haiti. Read more