Using ‘neurodivergent’ as a catch-all term is problematic – here’s why
Lightspring/ Shutterstock The term “neurodivergent” is being used more and more often in everyday conversation, on social media and even in scientific research. Neurodivergent is usually used to described a brain that works differently from what is seen as typical. For instance, it is often used to describe someone with a diagnosis of autism or […]
The Disappearers: Marlon James’s new novel gives voice to the gay men Jamaica erased
Marlon James’s 2026 novel, The Disappearers, has already been hailed as the novel of the century by The New York Times, and it is certainly magnificent and explosive in equal measure. Its success lies in the way its artistic execution dovetails with its highly charged subject matter. The Disappearers pulls the reader into a seemingly […]
Nato is concerned about the threat from Russia. But it isn’t panicking – yet
Over the past few weeks, a striking theme has emerged in discussions surrounding Nato. Senior political figures and former Nato officials have raised the possibility of invoking article 5 in response to severe cyber-attacks. Military leaders have warned that Russia may seek opportunities to test the alliance’s resolve. These developments have prompted an obvious question: […]
Children from armed forces families have extra educational challenges – especially those with Send
Service children are children of current or former armed forces personnel. Being a service child can be a source of pride, resilience and determination. Yet service life brings experiences and challenges their civilian peers may not face. Not all service children lead the same kinds of lives. Some can experience periods of family separation where […]
Why the places we love in books can never quite be found in real life
Baker Street London Underground station with silhouette motifs of Sherlock Holmes. Peter_Fleming/Shutterstock From the Brontës’ Haworth to Jane Austen’s Bath, Wordsworth’s Lake District and Thomas Hardy’s Dorset, literary places continue to exert a powerful hold over readers. Literary tourism appears to be enjoying renewed popularity, from visits inspired by classic novels to the TikTok trend […]
Why AI consciousness could become the next great societal divide
Lightspring/Shutterstock The debate about AI consciousness is growing, in academic articles, newspaper opinion pieces, and even among AI bots themselves. I doubt this is a passing wave of interest. As AI systems become more capable and human-like, and more involved in our lives, the question will become harder to avoid. Many people may come to […]
Houthi offensive in Yemen adds to fear that Iran war could escalate into a wider global conflict
Yemen’s Houthis have launched a major offensive in recent days. They’ve rapidly swept down the Red Sea coast, seizing strategically important positions and giving the Iran-backed rebel group the potential to control traffic through this vital waterway. This could cut off Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil – which was already seriously hampered by Iran’s […]
Lucy Letby: Thirlwall inquiry lays bare the responsibility of NHS management – here’s what needs to change for the future
A public inquiry into the Countess of Chester Hospital found that the deaths of some babies could have been prevented if safeguarding practices had been followed after concerns were raised by staff about former neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby. It also found serious failures in the hospital’s management and oversight. The Thirlwall inquiry investigated what went […]
What the Bayeux tapestry reveals about medieval buildings on both sides of the Channel
Edward the Confessor in his turreted palace. Wikipedia, CC BY For many, the Bayeux tapestry conjures up images of clinker-built ships, prancing horses, the Normans feasting on chicken on the eve of the battle of Hastings, and the arrow in King Harold’s eye that ended centuries of Anglo-Saxon rule. But for the architectural historian, it […]
Your brain runs on 20 watts. Could brain-inspired computing do the same?
Blue Andy/Shutterstock Right now, your brain is recognising the shapes of these letters, analysing their meaning, and holding a stream of thought together – all on about 20 watts of power. That’s roughly what it takes to run a lightbulb. Yet reproducing even a small fraction of the brain’s capabilities using today’s AI systems can […]