By Billy Bryan, Research Leader, RAND Europe
Chris Carter, Analyst, Science and Emerging Technology Team, RAND Europe
Theodora Ogden, Senior Analyst, Defence and Security Team, RAND Europe
In late 2017, a mysterious object tore through our solar system at breakneck speed. Astronomers scrambled to observe the fast moving body using the world’s most powerful telescopes. It was found to be one quarter mile (400m) long and very elongated – perhaps 10 times as long as it was wide. Researchers named it ‘Oumuamua, Hawaiian for “scout”.
'Oumuamua was later confirmed to be the first object from another star known to have visited our solar system. While these interstellar objects (ISO) originate…
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By Laleh Dadgardoust, Course Instructor at Glendon Campus at York University, Research Assistant, PAWSitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan
Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center of Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies/Pawsitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan
Given the proven link between people who commit animal abuse and human abuse, therapists who hear about violence to animals should be allowed to report it.
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By May Faraj, Professor, Université de Montréal/Scientist, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Université de Montréal
A team of researchers discovered that taking omega-3 supplements can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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By Relebohiseng Matubatuba, Lecturer in Marketing, University of the Witwatersrand
The shortage of blood for medical use is a global challenge. South Africa is not exempt. Blood collection organisations such as the South African National Blood Service struggle to meet the demand for blood products, because of insufficient blood donations and the scarcity of loyal blood donors.
Blood collection organisations rely on the goodwill of a few individuals who voluntarily donate…
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By Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu, Doctoral Researcher and Lecturer, Aberystwyth University
Superstition, an irrational belief in paranormal influences or a false attribution of events, is an age-old phenomenon found in probably all human societies or cultures. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices and behaviours. Some of these have harmful or even deadly consequences.
In many African communities, there are widespread beliefs relating to the use of human body parts for traditional healing rituals.…
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By Bizuneh Yimenu, Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Queen's University Belfast
Ethiopia is due to hold elections in 2026. But will they be free and fair?
Since 1995, Ethiopia has held elections every five years, except for the 2021 election, delayed by COVID-19. The incumbent party has consistently secured over 95% of national parliament seats, except for 2005, when the opposition won about 32%. In 2021, the ruling Prosperity Party won…
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By Charles Wratto, Associate Professor of Peace, Politics, and Conflict Studies, Babes Bolyai University
The use of child soldiers is a profound human tragedy that continues to scar generations across the world.
According to the United Nations, over the years, thousands of children, some as young as six years old, have been manipulated, indoctrinated and coerced into joining armed groups.
Many of these children have fought against peacekeeping troops in Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and US-led coalition soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.…
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By Mark Winfield, Professor, Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Canada
Climate change remains a real threat to Canadians and their communities. As they campaign to lead the country, Canada’s would-be prime ministers should be advocating for climate action.
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By Jean Sovon
China has a stranglehold on the cobalt mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), representing the country’s relentless pursuit to conquer the continent.
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By Amnesty International
Reacting to the detention of prominent Kyrgyzstani human rights defender Rita Karasartova, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said: “The detention of Rita Karasartova is a troubling development in Kyrgyzstan’s deepening crackdown on civic space. It appears linked solely to her public engagement with a politically sensitive case.” “Kyrgyzstani authorities […] The post Kyrgyzstan: Detention of human rights defender Rita Karasartova is alarming sign of deepening repression appeared first on Amnesty International. ]]>
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