White storks: why introducing non-native species in rewilding projects can be a good idea
A pair of white storks. grafxart/Shutterstock White storks (Ciconia ciconia) are a majestic bird with a two-metre wingspan and an enormous circular nest. The recent release of these stunning birds at multiple sites in England, with more releases planned and a public consultation under way has kicked off a debate about whether non-native birds should […]
The leftwing vote is splitting – we looked at who is moving to the Greens and what they care about
Voters in England are increasingly turning away from the two main parties, as elections in 2024 and 2026 showed. Much discussion has focused on the rise of Reform UK, particularly among younger men. But what’s happening among women – and how is it affecting voting behaviour on the left? Women, especially younger women, have been […]
We’ve been testing therapy like it’s a pill – and some patients are paying the price
shutterstock DC Studio/Shutterstock.com If you’ve had therapy, particularly if you got it through a public healthcare system like the NHS in the UK or Medicare in Australia, there’s a good chance it was cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Even with private health insurance, if you want therapy, the one you are most likely to be recommended […]
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?
“A vote for the SNP is a vote for a referendum on independence. Based on the 2011 precedent, an SNP majority at this election is a mandate for the transfer of powers to the Scottish parliament to enable an independence referendum to be held.” So said the SNP manifesto. Yet as the party failed to […]
Ukraine war: air campaign intensifies as Russia and Ukraine trade massive drone and missile attacks
Over the past month, there has been a notable increase in the intensity of the air war in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Strikes in mid- and late-May and early June have been characterised by significantly larger numbers of drones and missiles deployed by Russia in single attacks, leading to more destruction and more casualties. At […]
Where peace talks between the US and Iran currently stand
To understand where talks on ending the war between the US and Iran currently stand, all we can confidently assume is that Donald Trump’s pronouncements offer no guide. The US president said an agreement had been “largely negotiated” on May 23. That proposal would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief […]
Why the electric SUV boom is a problem for climate, health and equity
Fahroni/Shutterstock Governments and car manufacturers sell electric cars as the future of green transport. But a less visible trend is challenging this story: many electric cars are getting bigger. The International Energy Agency recently reported that larger models, including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), are taking up a major share of electric car markets. In China, […]
Armenia’s ties with Russia continue to deteriorate as election day approaches
Armenia was once widely considered Russia’s closest ally in the South Caucasus, with the two nations maintaining deep political, economic and military ties. But ahead of pivotal parliamentary elections on June 7, Armenia is facing the deepest crisis in its relations with Moscow since it secured independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. One week […]
Two scientists on their race to make a new Ebola vaccine
As health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to battle an ongoing Ebola outbreak, scientists around the world are racing to develop a vaccine against the strain of the virus that’s causing it. Two approved vaccines exist for Ebola, but they target the Zaire strain of the virus, not the Bundibugyo strain […]
The pigeon fanciers of the Bronze Age
Domestic animals have long been some of our closest companions. While dogs, cats, horses, cattle and chickens have all played major roles in human history, domestic pigeons may be a little less familiar. But they are no slouch when it comes to cultural importance. Charles Darwin wrote about domestic pigeon diversity to explore his theories […]