By Diane Watt, Professor of English, University of Surrey
Marie Maitland, a 16th-century Scottish gentlewoman, has for centuries been recognised as the likely scribe of the Maitland Quarto. This important manuscript, now held in the Pepys Library of Magdalene College, Cambridge, is an anthology of Scottish poetry by members of the noble Maitland family and their associates.
Maitland’s name appears twice on the first leaf and is also found in a partial anagram in the opening sonnet (“maid ane immortall”). By way of emphasis the anagram is repeated beneath the poem.
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By Chris North, Lecturer of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University
Sixty years ago, the United States and the Soviet Union were embroiled in a race to the Moon, which the USA won. The 21st-century lunar contest, with China stepping in for the Soviet Union, has many similarities, but key differences.
The Apollo astronauts planted the stars and stripes in lunar soil, bounced – and drove – around, set up experiments and collected scientifically valuable rock samples. Ultimately, however, there was no real plan to stay.
The new Moon race is different: space agencies…
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By Peter Stott, Science Fellow, Met Office, and Professor in Detection and Attribution, University of Exeter
London probably won’t disappear beneath the waves. But we still need to understand the most dangerous outcomes that remain possible – and avoidable.
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By Sam Hampton, Researcher, Environmental Geography, University of Oxford
Steve Westlake, Lecturer, Environmental Psychology, University of Bath
Extreme heat has become one of sport’s toughest opponents. This summer’s Fifa World Cup has once again raised concerns about players competing in dangerous temperatures. But football is far from alone.
Tennis players have battled through extreme heat at Grand Slam tournaments. Marathon races have been cancelled because of soaring temperatures.…
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By Amor Abdelkader, Associate Professor of Advanced Materials , Bournemouth University
Airline passengers are being warned not to pack power banks in their hold luggage ahead of the summer holiday travel period.
Devices with rechargeable batteries, like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches can be plugged into power banks on the go, where charging sockets may not be available. However, power banks are not danger-free or environmentally friendly.
The warning has come from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which believes that many travellers still aren’t aware…
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By Alex Brown, Associate Professor of Medieval History, Durham University
Memories of pandemics are often contentious. They can be disputed, uncomfortable and politically charged. As the COVID-19 pandemic begins to feel more distant, governments, communities and families have started asking how it should be remembered.
Efforts range from personal memorials for lost loved ones to official commemoration…
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By Daryl Sparkes, Senior Lecturer, Media Studies and Production, University of Southern Queensland
Sam Neill has died at 78. He was an actor who chose restraint and reason, embellishing his characters with a feeling of genuine realism.
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By Gordon Osinski, Professor in Earth and Planetary Science, Western University
Jenni Gibbons will be lead capsule communicator for NASA’s Artemis III mission, Gordon Osinski is on the science team and Canada also contributes a robotic Lunar Utility Vehicle.
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By Alok Prasanna Kumar
A recent government statement sparked controversy by clarifying that passports are only travel documents. This article explores the legal complexities of proving citizenship in India and its implications for rights.
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By Shane Pill, Professor in Education, Flinders University
A goalkeeper is unique.
They are often alone, defending a 7.32 x 2.44-metre space. The role can come with crushing pressure – one mistake can be crucial in such a low-scoring sport, while blunders made by midfielders or forwards can be quickly forgotten.
However, a great effort can still help decide matches, including moments at this year’s World Cup such as:
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