These are today's best ideas
1. Why you’re bad at small talk.
By Drake Baer in the Science of Us
2. How cougars and mountain lions can save hundreds of lives.
By Michelle Ma at the University of Washington
3. This natural gas-powered air conditioner makes electricity — instead of consuming it.
By Robert Fares in Scientific American
4. New York, Paris…Kinshasa? Meet Africa’s rising fashion star.
By Stephanie Bakker and Yvonne Brandwijk in Cityscope
5. Here’s what a post-ISIS recovery in Iraq will need to succeed.
By Nancy Lindborg and Sarhang Hamasaeed in Defense One
The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C.
TIME Ideas hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture. We welcome outside contributions. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.