article icon
History & The Arts
Killed by Agatha Christie: Strychnine and the detective novel
In the first Poirot book, the murderer's weapon of choice is the bitter poison strychnine. The scientist, writer and poison expert Deborah Blum reopens the case.
article icon
Money & Business
When is the best time to buy plane tickets?
Myths and systems claiming to help you get the best possible deal on airline tickets abound. But what's the truth? How should you time your purchase to best effect?
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
Uncanny valley: why we find human-like robots and dolls so creepy
Why do robots that look human (but not quite human enough) make us uncomfortable?
article icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
Sometimes a bunny is just a bunny: The Playboy brand and sexualisation of children
Beyond the tabloid-fuelled rage at Playboy products apparently aimed at children is a much more nuanced relationship with the Bunny brand.
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
What does the French regional election result mean?
It's not uncommon for the far right to do well in first rounds of French elections - but this time, it's something different, explains Paul Smith.
video icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
Business Bursts: Supply chain
Business School academics look at different approaches to supply chain, exploring brands such as Mini and WH Smith
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
Are businesses just leaping on transgender trends to turn a profit?
When Selfridges is clearing space to make a genderfluid display space, and Will Young is working with trans actors, transgender people might seem to be riding a wave into the heart of the mainstream. But, says Ray Fillar, until the media goes deeper than just jumping on the transwagon, we've still a long way to go.
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
The 2015 Autumn Statement: First responses
Experts give a first reaction to George Osborne's 2015 Spending Review and the Autumn Statement.
article icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
Will more money for the NHS deliver for midwife services?
In pre-announcements before the Autumn Statement, new money for the NHS was being promised. But will it help solve the crisis in midwifery services in the NHS? Writing for OpenDemocracy, The Royal College of Midwives' Sean O'Sullivan is sceptical.
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
Why has the welfare cap become so complex?
George Osborne's changes to his welfare cap in the July 2015 budget have made a simple measure almost too complex, say Christine Whitehead and Emma Sagor
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
What is the 2015 Autumn Statement all about?
The OU's Alan Shipman offers a guide to the things to watch for when George Osborne presents his autumn statement this Wednesday.
article icon
Society, Politics & Law
Why has violence been escalating in Mali during 2015?
The ISIS attack on a hotel in the Malian capital was another step in a deteriorating situation for the country, explains Paul Jackson.