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History & The Arts
The obscure history of the ‘virgin’s disease’ that could be cured with sex
Where did ideals and misconceptions around virginity and the hymen stem from? Helen King explores...
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Science, Maths & Technology
More or Less: interview with Tim Harford
Tim Harford, from More or Less, talks with Kevin McConway on why statistics matter and how they can impact the future.
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History & The Arts
A Victorian Christmas: Christmas in Dreamthorp
The essayist and poet Alexander Smith's Dreamthorp is a collection of essays he wrote in the countryside. This extract, titled Christmas, is anchored in the December of 1862, and includes some personal views which are very much of their time.
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Society, Politics & Law
Is public spending a drain on the economy or the mark of a civilised society?
Read this article outlining arguements in debate held under the auspices of the Social Sciences Student Connections, Big Conversation.
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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History & The Arts
Mizuki Shigeru: An appreciation
Manga artist, folklorist and icon Mizuki Shigeru has died. Nevin Thompson explains the role he played in Japanese culture, and why he'll be so missed.
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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
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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.