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Forest pharmacists — chimpanzees are teaching scientists how to treat disease

Deep in the forests of Uganda, a team of scientific detectives has uncovered a secret: chimpanzees are running their own pharmacy. Scientists observing wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) have confirmed that the animals deliberately seek out plants with anti-bacterial and pain-relieving properties to heal themselves. The 13-strong team, comprising botanists and primatologists, conducted their “detective… Continue reading Forest pharmacists — chimpanzees are teaching scientists how to treat disease

Indo-American relations grow over threat of Chinese incursions in the Himalayas

High in the barren mountains of the Himalayas, Indian soldiers overlook a broad swathe of icy terrain. Gazing back at them are thousands of Chinese soldiers, each protecting what the other claims. The object of desire is an unmarked landscape spanning thousands of kilometres, stretching from India’s border with Pakistan in the west to its… Continue reading Indo-American relations grow over threat of Chinese incursions in the Himalayas

Frankenstein — how Mary Shelley’s sci-fi classic offers lessons for us today about the dangers of playing god

Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus, is an 1818 novel by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Set in the late 18th century, it follows scientist Victor Frankenstein’s creation of life and the terrible events that are precipitated by his abandonment of his creation. It is a Gothic novel in that it combines supernatural elements with horror, death and… Continue reading Frankenstein — how Mary Shelley’s sci-fi classic offers lessons for us today about the dangers of playing god

From France to Italy, Hungary to Sweden, voting intentions track the far-right’s rise in Europe

{FPA-EFE/Matteo Bazzi}

A little over a year since leader of Fratelli d’Italia Georgia Meloni rose to power in Italy, the latest data spells out a clear message: she is not the only ultraright politician surfing on voters’ anxieties. In fact, we may be entering a new cycle of far-right extremism across the continent, with heavy stakes for… Continue reading From France to Italy, Hungary to Sweden, voting intentions track the far-right’s rise in Europe

Wildlife on the pill — the new age of animal population control

The invention of the contraceptive pill marked the onset of the sexual revolution in the 1960s. Now, scientists are seeking to revolutionise wildlife control by adding animals to the mix. Trials are afoot in the United Kingdom and other European countries where pigeons, squirrels and wild boar are given contraceptives. Deer and invasive parakeets are… Continue reading Wildlife on the pill — the new age of animal population control

Femicide in Italy — a modern phenomenon deeply rooted in the country’s cultural past

{Antonio Calanni/AP}

The number of victims of femicide in Italy in 2020 equated to a woman killed every three days. “Femicide is not a crime of passion, it is a crime of power”, wrote Elena Cecchettin after her sister was killed in November 2023. Italian student Giulia Cecchettin, 22, was killed allegedly by her controlling ex-boyfriend, Filippo… Continue reading Femicide in Italy — a modern phenomenon deeply rooted in the country’s cultural past

Germany lowers voting age to 16 for the European elections — but is it playing into the far right’s hands?

Ahead of the European Parliament elections in June 2024, Germany has lowered the age limit on participation to 16. This makes it the largest of just a handful of states in the EU to allow people under the age of 18 to vote. Austria, Belgium and Malta have already enfranchised 16 and 17-year-olds, and Greece… Continue reading Germany lowers voting age to 16 for the European elections — but is it playing into the far right’s hands?

Potemkin towns — Cornwall’s hidden housing crisis

Every year, as the countdown to summer intensifies, Cornwall basks in the limelight, its charm captivating the imagination of holidaymakers. In 2022, it ranked in the top ten most searched-for holiday destinations on Google and expects over five million tourists annually. The region’s allure seems unstoppable, fuelled by the resounding popularity of cultural sensations like… Continue reading Potemkin towns — Cornwall’s hidden housing crisis

What is it about Gaza? Wars are raging around the world, so why are young people so passionate about this one?

{Joe Giddens / PA Images}

University campuses around the world have become the site of tiny tent cities in recent weeks, with student activists protesting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Though the protests on Australian campuses have been largely peaceful, tensions are starting to rise. There have been allegations of hate speech and clashes between student groups in recent days.… Continue reading What is it about Gaza? Wars are raging around the world, so why are young people so passionate about this one?

Let there be night! What is light pollution?

{Owen Humphreys PA}

What if you never saw the stars again? In fact, you have probably never seen a real night sky in your entire life due to the damage that urban areas have on the light. We all find a starry night mesmerising. So why do we all ignore the immense issue that is progressively getting worse… Continue reading Let there be night! What is light pollution?

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