By Yvonne Ryan, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, University of Limerick
Electric e-bikes make cycling easier, faster and more accessible. They are already playing an important role in reducing the environmental impact of transport, particularly when they replace a trip in a private car.
But when you scrap an e-bike, you also have to scrap its battery. And these batteries can be particularly dangerous and tricky to dispose of. This means the growth of e-bikes is leading to at least one related environmental problem: a rise in electronic or e-waste.
The sector needs stronger regulations to encourage it to cut its waste. This includes encouraging…
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By Craig Russell, Lecturer, Pharmacy, Aston University
Softgel capsules — the smooth, easy-to-swallow form of many medications and supplements — are increasingly popular for delivering everything from vitamins to omega-3s. These capsules, made of a liquid centre inside a soft, flexible shell, offer convenience and effectiveness. But they’ve also come under growing scrutiny for one surprising reason: plasticisers.
To make the capsule shell soft and pliable, manufacturers often use plasticisers – chemicals called…
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By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex
The Trump v California governor battle is likely to cement or undermine long-term public support for one of them. It’s not yet clear which.
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By Whitney Vernes, Lecturer in Tourism, University of Essex
Weizheng Zhang, Lecturer in Marketing, Newcastle University
Travelling isn’t always easy for plus-size people. There can be accessibility issues, such as seats that are too small, but also lingering societal biases, that make the whole experience feel like it’s made for someone else. It can seem like what the travel industry offers routinely fails to meet people’s needs.
As summer approaches and travel plans begin…
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By Jennifer Mathers, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Aberystwyth University
Russia has made advances into eastern Ukraine, but the human cost is an estimated 53 casualties per square kilometre seized.
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By Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Cambridge
Christelle Langley, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Cambridge
Anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental health problem. But it isn’t always easy to get professional help, with long waiting lists in many countries.
Worldwide, only about 28% of people with anxiety receive treatment. The figure is similar…
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By Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, Professor of Theater, Temple University
Two Philadelphia artists – a photographer and a performance poet – combine their shared passion for observing and documenting everyday life in the city.
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By Will Baker, Associate Professor of Sociology and Education, University of Bristol
If the government is serious about tackling child poverty, their policy choices need to include the abolition of the two-child limit on benefits.
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By Amnesty International
On 1 June 2025, 12 people set sail on the Madleen with the goal of breaking Israel’s unlawful blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip and delivering desperately needed food and medical supplies to Gaza. For almost 18 years, Israeli authorities have maintained an unlawful blockade of Gaza that restricts access to essential supplies and services. […] The post What happened to the Madleen and why were they trying to reach Gaza? appeared first on Amnesty International. ]]>
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By Amnesty International
Reacting to an announcement by Iran’s judiciary that the Iranian authorities this morning executed Mojahed (Abbas) Kourkouri in connection with the 2022 Woman Life Freedom protests in Iran, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Hussein Baoumi, said: “The news of Mojahed Kourkouri’s arbitrary execution is utterly appalling. It exposes […] The post Iran: Arbitrary execution of Woman Life Freedom protester after sham trial and torture appeared first on Amnesty International. ]]>
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