By Samantha Ward, Associate Professor of Zoo Animal Welfare, Nottingham Trent University
If you visit a zoo, you might be captivated by the animals you see — majestic lions, curious meerkats, soaring birds of prey. But this is not always the case. Some zoos don’t always give us that impression of “happy animals” where they can behave naturally and be left alone by visitors if they wish.
The UK, Scottish and Welsh governments recently released new zoo standards for Great Britain. So what does this mean for the future of zoos?
I have…
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By Fergus Green, Associate Professor in Political Theory and Public Policy, UCL
The UK government will soon face a momentous decision over whether to approve production in the Rosebank oilfield off the coast of Shetland.
Rosebank is the UK’s biggest undeveloped field. Its proponents – the largest of which is Norwegian state-owned petroleum company, Equinor – estimate that it will produce the equivalent of up to 500 million barrels of oil between 2026 and 2051. When burned,…
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By Richard Newton, Lecturer in Aquaculture, University of Stirling
Dave Little, Professor of Aquatic Resources Development, University of Stirling
Farmed Atlantic salmon has become one of the most highly traded food commodities in the world, enjoyed for its versatility as much as for its health benefits. It has long been known that eating oily fish such as salmon is the best way to consume long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential for brain development, mental health…
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By Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester
Beards have long attracted suspicion, sometimes seen as stylish, sometimes as unsanitary. But how dirty are they, really?
Human skin is home to billions of microorganisms – mainly bacteria, but also fungi and viruses – and facial hair provides a unique environment for them to thrive. Research shows that beards, in particular, support a dense and diverse microbial population, which has fuelled a persistent belief that they are inherently unhygienic. The Washington Post recently reported…
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By Jonathan Conlin, Professor of Modern History, University of Southampton
The National Gallery has recently rehung its entire collection. Taking hundreds of paintings off the wall and replacing them in a new arrangement requires considerable mental and physical labour on the part of curators, conservators and technicians.
A rehang tends to elicit strong reactions from anyone with a stake in the collection – and in the case of a public gallery, “anyone” means “everyone”. Unsurprisingly then, it has only been done twice at the National Gallery since the second world war.
Last month, I attended a launch party for the gallery’s new Sainsbury Wing…
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By Lisa Gasson-Gardner, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Mount Royal University
The fortunes of the Conservative Party and its leader Pierre Poilievre in Canada’s April 2025 election seemed to have shifted dramatically after United States President Donald Trump called for Canada to become the 51st state.
Political pundits regarded Mark Carney and the Liberal Party’s victory — along with the failure of Poilievre to retain his own seat — as a…
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By Jamie Seabrook, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Professor, Department of Paediatrics; Professor, Brescia School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Western University
Jason Gilliland, Director, Urban Development Program; Professor, Geography & Environment, Western University
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome — with severe vomiting, abdominal pain and temporary relief through compulsive hot bathing — is increasingly affecting adolescents and young adults.
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By Jaigris Hodson, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Royal Roads University
David Rand, Professor, Management Science and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Heather Lanthorn, Assistant Director, Research and Programs at the Duke Global Health Innovation Center and Innovations in Healthcare, Duke University
Measles is back. In recent months, outbreaks have re-emerged across North America including 2,968 cases in Canada as of May 31, 2025. At the heart of many of these surges lies missed childhood vaccinations — not just because of access barriers, but also due to conversations that didn’t happen.
Many clinicians want to support…
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By Rebecca Lucas, Senior Analyst - Defence Economics and Acquisition, RAND Europe
The recent decision by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm and disband has important lessons for any country facing a seemingly intractable insurgency. On May 12, the group stated that following its 12th Congress it will “dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure and end the armed struggle method”. The organisation has said that it will now pursue its goals “through democratic politics”.
The PKK’s decision follows…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila arrives in Goma, May 29, 2025. © 2025 Moses Sawasawa/AP Photo Last week authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo imposed a 90-day ban on any media coverage of former President Joseph Kabila or his party in response to his recent statements and visit to the country’s embattled east after he returned to Congo from exile.Kabila led the Congo for 18 years after succeeding his father, Laurent-Desiré Kabila, who was assassinated in 2001. Joseph Kabila’s presidency achieved some important progress,…
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