War has shifted how power works in Iran
When Washington unveiled its economic “D-Day” on August 19, the latest tightening of the financial siege and the blockade around Iran’s ports, it believed it was applying decisive leverage. But in Tehran the move was read as something else entirely – as confirmation that the US still prefers pressure to any settlement it might one […]
Autonomous weapons can select targets without human help – now is the time for binding rules
One-way military drones already have the capability to select their targets. Anelo/Shutterstock Government experts are meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to work towards a possible negotiating mandate on autonomous weapons systems (AWS). These are military systems that can select and engage targets without human intervention. This major international gathering follows a recent call by the UN […]
How medieval infertility was experienced and understood
Two lovers, from a 14th-century manuscript of the Le Roman de la Rose. Bibliothèque nationale de France Infertility was a source of stress and sadness for some medieval couples, as it is for modern ones. It was a personal matter, but also a public one. Both families and the church assumed that the purpose of […]
Why you should live your life like an accountant – and how you probably already do
Accountants are often portrayed sitting at a desk studying financial reports. alphaspirit.it / Shutterstock When asked to think about accounting, most people imagine numbers, calculators, spreadsheets and offices populated by smart-suited bean counters hunched over reports. You most certainly think about money. But by breaking away from this image and reclaiming the term “accountant” to […]
Five ways the human body can sync up with other people
AYO Production/ Shutterstock The myth that when women live together their menstrual cycles become synchronised has long persisted – despite research showing there’s no evidence that this so-called McClintock effect exists. Any overlap that does happen is probably just down to chance. However, just because this isn’t true doesn’t mean our bodies don’t sync with […]
Restraint in mental health hospitals: what families want staff to understand
myboys.me/Shutterstock A mother discovered her son was restrained 33 times in six weeks. Another was told her distressed daughter is “aggressive” as six staff pin her to the floor and inject her with medication. Through tears, families describe images they cannot forget: bruises, broken bones, loved ones left sitting in urine-soaked clothes, isolated and afraid. […]
How algorithms are making our environments bland
Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock The Pantone colour of the year for 2026 is white. It’s called Cloud Dancer, which is described as a “lofty white”. This choice reflects a growing trend away from colour in our visual world. You might have noticed this yourself. Where an area once had a distinct sense of place we are seeing […]
Growing up socially isolated linked to young people becoming Neet
Mr.vicpix/Shutterstock Around a million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training (Neet). The consequences for their health and income can be significant and long lasting, with costs to the economy too. There’s pressure on the government to do something about it. To act effectively, we need to understand why some […]
Introducing our new collaboration: Health Gap – Sundhedskløften
At first glance, Denmark and the UK do not seem to offer obvious health comparisons. One is associated with cycling commutes, harbour swims and pastries. The other with crowded trains, pub lunches and the NHS – a healthcare system that is rarely far from political debate. Beneath those surface differences, though, the foundations are strikingly […]
Denmark versus UK: which country gets more health for their money?
Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock.com Denmark and the UK both wear the badge of universal healthcare with pride. Nobody is turned away, nobody is handed a bill on the way out. And the principle – that where you are born or how much you earn should not determine whether you live or die – is sacred in both […]