Sharks in Rio de Janeiro test positive for cocaine

Sharks off the coast of Brazil’s party city Rio de Janeiro have tested positive for cocaine. The predators were consuming the potent stimulant due to its continuous release from inadequate sewage treatment facilities and clandestine refining operations, scientists wrote in a study published in Science of The Total Environment. Some may also have attacked bricks… Continue reading Sharks in Rio de Janeiro test positive for cocaine

Is Taiwan a country or not?

Defining what is and isn’t a country is a lot more complicated than many people would realize. Take the case of Taiwan. On Aug. 30, 2023, a committee of the U.K. Parliament referred to Taiwan as an “independent country” in a report. This is the first time any part of the British political system has… Continue reading Is Taiwan a country or not?

As governments crack down on fast fashion’s harms, could Shein lose its shine?

Fast-fashion brand Shein expressed interest last year in listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). But, having met some opposition from US politicians, including Republican Florida senator Marco Rubio, it has now reportedly turned its attention to London. While this would be a boost for the London Stock Exchange (LSE), which has lost several organisations… Continue reading As governments crack down on fast fashion’s harms, could Shein lose its shine?

What 70 years of AI on film can tell us about the human relationship with artificial intelligence

In 2024, AI is making headlines daily. We may be aware of the science, but how do we imagine AI and our relationship to it both now and in the future? Fortunately, film may provide us with some insights. Probably the best-known AI in film is HAL 9000 from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). HAL is an… Continue reading What 70 years of AI on film can tell us about the human relationship with artificial intelligence

Unrest in Bangladesh reflects young people’s struggle to find work in the poorest nations

Protests that started as a student movement driven by longstanding dissatisfaction over a quota system to allocate government jobs in Bangladesh have precipitated a change in the country’s political leadership. These jobs, of which 30% were reserved for independence war veterans and their relatives, are highly sought after. The rate of youth unemployment in Bangladesh… Continue reading Unrest in Bangladesh reflects young people’s struggle to find work in the poorest nations

In Myanmar’s brutal war, the military is weaponising sexual violence against women, children and LGBTQI+ people

The United Nations verified 3,688 cases of conflict-related sexual violence around the world last year, a significant increase of 50% from 2022. This is certainly a vast underestimate of the true number of cases. A report by the UN secretary-general in April mentioned a number of specific countries where sexual violence – and conflict –… Continue reading In Myanmar’s brutal war, the military is weaponising sexual violence against women, children and LGBTQI+ people

How air quality has changed in over 100 countries around the world since 1850

Air pollution is an unseen menace that poses a major threat to human health and the climate. We have created the air quality stripes, a visual tool that captures global air pollution trends, to bring this hidden threat into sharp focus. Inspired by professor of climate science Ed Hawkins’ climate warming stripes, the air quality… Continue reading How air quality has changed in over 100 countries around the world since 1850

Daniel Craig to star in ‘Othello’ set during Iraq War; production may begin next year

Daniel Craig’s next cinematic venture appears to be his long-gestating passion project, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello set against the backdrop of the Iraq War. This modern reimagining of the classic play has been in the works for several years, with Craig and Bond producer Barbara Broccoli tirelessly seeking funding and finalizing production details. Craig… Continue reading Daniel Craig to star in ‘Othello’ set during Iraq War; production may begin next year

‘John Wick 5’ set to begin production in 2025 with Keanu Reeves returning

Despite the presumed fate of John Wick in the explosive finale of John Wick: Chapter 4, the indomitable assassin is set to return. Lionsgate has officially confirmed that production on John Wick 5 will commence in 2025, with Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role. Given the enormous success of John Wick: Chapter 4, which raked… Continue reading ‘John Wick 5’ set to begin production in 2025 with Keanu Reeves returning

Defoe, Oldman and Brody are Prada villains

In 2012, Prada took an unconventional approach by recruiting actors renowned for their villainous roles to showcase their suits, in which the phrase “the devil wears Prada” took on a literal meaning. For the fall 2012 men’s show at Milan Fashion Week, Prada opted for a twist by featuring a cast of notable antagonists instead… Continue reading Defoe, Oldman and Brody are Prada villains