Granting a new gasfield licence does not guarantee energy security
Arild Lilleboe/Shutterstock The UK government is deciding whether to approve a licence for Jackdaw gasfield, around 250km east of Aberdeen, in the North Sea. This is being presented by supporters as part of the answer to Britain’s energy-security problem. The UK government has argued that if Britain still needs gas, then producing it domestically is […]
Why ‘accidents’ can happen during intense exercise
There are very few downsides to exercise. But a recent viral story highlighted one of the more embarrassing – and potentially dangerous – issues that can occur when your body reaches it limit with exercise. Joanna Wietrzyk, the winner of the recent women’s pro Hyrox race in Beijing (a challenging fitness race that blends running […]
What might Canada’s EU ‘associate membership’ look like, and is it even a possibility?
In a speech to the European Parliament, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney declared that “Europe and Canada are stronger together”. He also backed an offer made by the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, one day earlier for Canada to become the first “associate member” of the bloc. “Canada welcomes this ambition,” […]
How a traditional Nordic way of eating could help you live longer
We live in Denmark, which consistently ranks as one of the world’s healthiest countries. The modern Danish diet, however, may not be quite so world-leading – with many Danes consuming high levels of sugar, salt and convenience food. Yet, go back a few generations and science is increasingly showing that many of the staple foods […]
The Bayeux tapestry: how this medieval wonder was reinvented for modern times
The Bayeux tapestry is back after a thousand years. Made in England at the end of the 11th century, the 70-metre masterpiece has returned for the first time in a blockbuster exhibition at the British Museum. The origins of this embroidery are mysterious. Although there is general agreement now that it was most likely designed […]
The long fascinating history of food additives – and why we’re stuck with them
Stir crazy? udra11 Battenberg cake is one of my favourite cakes. But when I tell people that one of the things I like most about this cake is its E-number, they tend to look at me strangely. It contains the raising agent E541, acidic sodium aluminium phosphate, which is one of the most restricted food […]
Members of right-leaning parties prefer leaders with ‘dark triad’ personality traits
Peshkova/Shutterstock How does someone’s personality relate to their choice of political party? It’s a fascinating question, and one that has interesting implications in the changing landscape of British politics right now. Would someone joining a party, for example, want to see their own personality traits reflected back at them via the party’s leader? The question […]
Houthi rebel offensive fuels fears of escalation in the Middle East and Europe
In this extraordinary and deeply worrying year for international security, some weeks nevertheless stand out as particularly momentous. Events in Yemen now threaten to escalate the war between the US, Israel and Iran into a regional conflagration. Houthi rebels have captured strategically important positions on the Red Sea coast that will give them the potential […]
Imagine newsletter: penguins, satellites and pink poo
This roundup of The Conversation’s environment coverage was first published in our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter, Imagine. Through the winter months, emperor penguins lay their eggs, hatch their chicks, and huddle together for warmth. They do much of this in darkness, as the Antarctic sun disappears below the horizon for months on end. That […]
Is England right to introduce a tourism tax?
Bath in Somerset is a favourite with tourists. Denny Friday Studio/Shutterstock Supporters tend to call it a “visitor levy”. Detractors prefer to call it a “tourist tax”. Whether you agree with it or not, an extra charge for overnight stays has become a common feature of modern travel. Recent visitors to New York, Prague, Milan […]