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Dogs under the microscope
Science, Maths & Technology

Dogs under the microscope

...world, a dog’s sense of smell is renowned. Through selective breeding, some domestic dogs have an incredible sense of smell, being able to detect, distinguish and report on various smells such as explosives, money, drugs etc. Our ability to smell comes from protein in our noses that detects chemicals that evaporate from substances. These proteins are coded for by...
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Article 5 mins
Is democracy a good thing?
Society, Politics & Law

Is democracy a good thing?

...world to realise its advantages. Among these advantages, and there are many, is that it is a mechanism for getting rid of governments without bloodshed or trauma. Churchill was right; it does seem better than the rest. However, that does not mean it is perfect. And as it is not perfect, we should take full account of Plato’s criticisms and see if anything can be done to...
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Video 10 mins
Fracking: Is it possible to persuade the public that the benefits outweigh the risks
Nature & Environment

Fracking: Is it possible to persuade the public that the benefits outweigh the risks

...world. Such intuitive responses are particularly relevant to the issue of fracking because of potential risks such as earthquakes and water contamination by methane or chemicals. These can conjure up very clear pictures of damage, many of which carry high levels of dread/fear. Being able to picture the possibility of such damage can often overpower the fact that the...
View article Fracking: Is it possible to persuade the public that the benefits outweigh the risks
Article 5 mins
Managing our personal financial risks from the changed climate
Nature & Environment

Managing our personal financial risks from the changed climate

...world will warm beyond 1.5o C in the next decades, even if COP26 is successful in reaching agreements to achieve net-zero. TCFD forces organisations to face the consequences for their business model assuming a 2oC rise. Risks arise from: Physical threats due to increases in volatile weather events, such as extreme heating, freezing, flooding, fires, storms, and droughts....
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Article 10 mins
TOTEM LATAMAT: an Indigenous reminder we are all part of the ecosystem
Nature & Environment

TOTEM LATAMAT: an Indigenous reminder we are all part of the ecosystem

...world. In his new book Einstein’s Fridge, the science writer and documentary maker Paul Sen argues that all we have to do to solve the climate crisis is listen to the scientists. Science, he claims, already holds all the solutions – it just requires political leadership to enact them. He repeats the frequently heard mantra about expanding the use of renewable sources...
View article TOTEM LATAMAT: an Indigenous reminder we are all part of the ecosystem
Article 10 mins
How can digital books support children’s learning?
Education & Development

How can digital books support children’s learning?

...world without many alternatives. The bottom line is: digital books ensure that all children can have a varied reading diet and grow their reading curiosity. To convert this immense potential of e-books, we need to make sure that e-books are of high quality. Natalia Kucirkova is Professor of Reading and Children’s Development, The Open University, and Chair of the...
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Article 10 mins
The 2018 Spring Statement: A first reaction
Society, Politics & Law

The 2018 Spring Statement: A first reaction

...world economy that is performing more strongly than anticipated, alongside public finances that are in a better shape than expected, has allowed Hammond to bear glad tidings. At the time of the budget last November, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) watchdog predicted that, in 2018, output would grow at a rate of just 1.4%, followed by 1.3% growth in each of 2019...
View article The 2018 Spring Statement: A first reaction
Article 5 mins
Back to the Future: Is time travel possible?
Science, Maths & Technology

Back to the Future: Is time travel possible?

...world or, if they do – like Marty McFly when he ensures his parents really did get together in 1955 – people just make sure things happen in the past the way they were meant to! This article came Back to the Future from 2013 when it was originally written to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who - discover more perspectives on science fiction and time travel....
View article Back to the Future: Is time travel possible?
Article 5 mins