How lynx and wolf reintroductions to Britain could be shaped by preconceptions and psychology

Psychology may shape the success of carnivore reintroductions much more than ecology, politics, economics and philosophy ever can.

Jonny Hanson, Environmental Social Scientist, Queen's University Belfast • conversation
today ~7 min

We’re getting closer to having practical quantum computers – here’s what they will be used for

Quantum computers can explore every possible solution to a problem at the same time.

Domenico Vicinanza, Associate Professor of Intelligent Systems and Data Science, Anglia Ruskin University • conversation
today ~8 min


Burning waste is a dirty way to generate power – but it’s the least bad alternative to England’s broken recycling system

England plans to nearly double its number of waste incinerators.

Edward Randviir, Senior Lecturer in Green Chemistry, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
today ~7 min

Why does a rocket have to go 25,000 mph to escape Earth?

A rocket needs to overcome the force of gravity to leave Earth behind.

Benjamin L. Emerson, Principal Research Engineer, School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
today ~7 min

Mass deportations don’t keep out ‘bad genes’ − they use scientific racism to justify biased immigration policies

The US has a long history of misusing genetics and biology in immigration policy, the effects of which are still keenly felt today.

Shoumita Dasgupta, Professor of Medicine, Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion, Boston University • conversation
today ~14 min

One way Trump could help revive rural America’s economies

Many small towns rely on one major industry and can face long-term existential shocks if that industry fails. Biden’s attempt to reposition rural economies for the future missed a crucial factor.

Tim Freeman, Research Fellow, Growth Lab, Harvard Kennedy School • conversation
today ~10 min

Firefighting planes are dumping ocean water on the Los Angeles fires − why using saltwater is typically a last resort

In emergencies, dumping ocean water on fires may be the best option. But seawater can have long-term effects on equipment and ecosystems, as a novel coastal experiment shows.

Patrick Megonigal, Associate Director of Research, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
today ~6 min

The UK is surprisingly short of water – but more reservoirs aren’t the answer

The country should focus on reusing water and demanding less of it in the first place.

Kirsty Holstead, Postdoctoral Researcher, AQUACONNECT Project, Wageningen University • conversation
today ~6 min


Future of Russian gas looking bleak as Ukraine turns off taps and Europe eyes ending all imports

Despite a continuing market for LNG, the war in Ukraine has led to Europe turning away from Russian gas exports.

Steve Pye, Associate Professor in Energy Systems, UCL • conversation
today ~8 min

Artificial intelligence: what five giants of the past can teach us about handling the risks

AI safety has taken a back seat in the competition for ever more powerful large language models.

Simon Rogerson, Professor Emeritus in Computer Ethics, De Montfort University • conversation
today ~8 min

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