Do we have more empathy for people who are similar to us? New research suggests it’s not that simple

People who spend time with those who are different often get better at empathy.

Punit Shah, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Bath • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~8 min

Net zero is not just good science – it’s also a good deal for ordinary people

Pursuing net zero will cost UK citizens around £5 a week per person – new study.

Sam Fankhauser, Professor of Climate Economics and Policy, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~7 min


Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on what life is like on Earth?

It’s hard to look for something you’ve never seen before – and that might not even exist. But you have to start somewhere.

Cole Mathis, Assistant Professor of Complex Adaptive Systems, Arizona State University • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~9 min

Why the future of democracy could depend on your group chats

Americans associate with each other more online than off these days. How people interact in digital communities could have a big impact on democracy.

Nathan Schneider, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~9 min

Prenatal supplements fall woefully short in providing crucial nutrition during pregnancy – and most women don’t even know it

Many prenatal supplements don’t have enough folate, choline and omega-3 fatty acids.

Mary Scourboutakos, Family Medicine Resident and Nutrition Expert, Eastern Virginia Medical School • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~10 min

Returning a 170-year-old preserved lizard to Jamaica is a step toward redressing colonial harms

Not all reparations involve money. Returning unique scientific resources is also a way of showing respect and righting past harms.

Thera Edwards, Lecturer in Geography and Map Curator, The University of the West Indies • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~11 min

Human culture is changing too fast for evolution to catch up – here’s how it may affect you

Human culture has changed too fast for evolution to keep up.

Jose Yong, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~8 min

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – blink and you’ll miss a solarpunk alternative to series’ usual dystopia

Fury Road prequel is a testament to the power of storytelling in tackling the big issues of our time.

Oli Mould, Professor in Human Geography, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
June 3, 2024 ~5 min


We asked ChatGPT for legal advice – here are five reasons why you shouldn’t

AI chatbots can quickly explain complicated legal information in a straightforward, conversational style, but they are not always accurate.

Elizabeth Hardie, Senior Lecturer, Law School, The Open University • conversation
May 31, 2024 ~7 min

What we know so far about Labour’s plan for Great British Energy

Criticisms that this is ‘just a logo’ aren’t entirely unreasonable, but Labour is setting out a green transition on a tight budget.

Renaud Foucart, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University • conversation
May 31, 2024 ~7 min

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