Why understanding autism means looking beyond spoken language – two autistic researchers of communication explain
The idea of the “autism spectrum” is widely used in diagnosis, education and public discussion. First developed by the psychiatrist Lorna Wing in the 1980s, the term was intended to reflect the wide range of autistic experiences and needs. But a growing body of research is questioning whether the concept still helps us understand autistic […]
How school grades can affect mental health – particularly for girls
LightField Studios/Shutterstock Schools increasingly rely on testing, grading and performance accountability. In England, Ofsted inspections and school league tables sharpen the focus on measurable performance. Similar developments have taken place in Sweden, where repeated reforms have introduced earlier and more detailed assessments. Performance-driven school environments shape young people’s wellbeing. Yet despite frequent reforms to evaluation […]
Golden eagles in England? Here’s the ecological case for bringing them back
England’s last recorded pair of golden eagles lived in the Lake District. After the female died in 2004, the male was left alone for 12 years before his death in 2016. This marked the end of golden eagles across English skies. Though they have lived on in Scotland, the birds were largely wiped out across […]
The fake disease that fooled the internet — and what it says about all of us
Damn! It looks like I’ve got bixonimania! monshtein/Shutterstock.com Until a few years ago, no one had heard of bixonimania. Then, in 2024, a group of scientists posted findings online announcing the condition, which they claimed affected the eyes after computer use. However, the scientists had made it up – not just the work, but the […]
The 10 pence pill that underpins diabetes care – and may do much more besides
pimpampix/Shutterstock Metformin has a strong claim to being one of the most influential medicines of the past century. For decades, it has underpinned the treatment of type 2 diabetes, helped millions of people control their blood sugar, and inspired a second life in research on everything from ageing and cancer to heart health and fertility. […]
Five books about the lives of musicians that are stonking good reads
This year is the national year of reading, and if you’re a music lover, I urge you to pick one up about your favourite musician. The lives of musicians are often full of highs and lows, which makes for compelling reading. Here are five of my favourites. 1. Fight The Power by Chuck D I […]
The old adage that people leave managers, not companies is true – but only up to a point
Meeko Media/Shutterstock It has been said that “people leave managers, not companies”. It’s easy to believe that this is true, either from personal experience or observation. Many workers can easily point to a line manager who dismissed their concerns or treated them unfairly. But is it really fair to suggest that managers alone are the […]
Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon may strengthen Hezbollah – just when it’s at its weakest
As the tentative ceasefire in Lebanon holds, people are returning to their homes in the south to find widespread destruction. Whole villages laid waste, roads and bridges ruined, hospitals and other civic infrastructure flattened. And the Israeli army still very much in evidence in many areas. The most recent conflict between Israel and Lebanon has […]
Eating fruit is linked to lung cancer? Here’s what you need to know about that new study
Deadly? Not likely. New Africa/Shutterstock.com The idea that fruit and vegetables might cause cancer sounds bizarre. For decades, studies have shown that people who eat more plants tend to live longer, healthier lives, with lower rates of heart disease, stroke and several common cancers. Lung cancer is no exception: in many large studies, higher intakes […]
Southport inquiry: schools are key to safeguarding, but their job is getting harder
Shutterstock Sir Adrian Fulford’s report into the July 2024 attack in Southport that killed three young girls does not pull any punches. He concluded that the UK’s safeguarding model had completely failed, with no agency taking lead responsibility. He referred to “an inappropriate merry-go-round” of state agencies, none of which took responsibility for the risks […]