Welcome to the Saturday edition of The Conversation U.S.’s Daily newsletter.

In today’s world, there are unfortunately more than enough situations where people might find themselves taking a personal risk for the common good. That’s how psychologists generally define heroism: acting intentionally to help others, even at great personal cost.

But what does it actually take to be a hero?

Amherst College psychologist Catherine A. Sanderson digs into this question, explaining that research finds there are particular traits heroes are likely to share. They are comfortable taking risks, they’re independent and feel in control, and they express concern for others.

But heroes aren’t just born; they can be made. Sanderson walks through how circumstances and training can contribute to someone taking heroic action. If you feel a little wimpy when you hear of a regular person “jumping into a frozen pond to rescue a drowning child, leaping onto subway tracks to help someone who has fallen, or grabbing a gun from a shooter,” don’t worry, Sanderson writes. “Heroism occurs when ordinary people choose to step up in dangerous situations” – and you can work now to be prepared for what may come.

This week we also liked stories about AI and drone technology to detect land mines, a different way to measure poverty and inequality, and why some constellations move with the seasons, but not all.

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