By Jamie Thompson, Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology, University of Reading
Every mind-bending molecule in nature has an evolutionary origin; a defence against being eaten, a lure for pollinators, or perhaps a happy biochemical accident. Though they seem extraordinary, life has evolved psychedelic molecules that alter consciousness across almost every ecosystem.
Let’s take a tour of our surprisingly psychedelic planet.
The tropical rainforests hum with chemical diversity. Among the 10,000 tree species living in the Amazon are several which produce dimethyltryptamine…
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By Mark Boylan, Professor of Education, Sheffield Hallam University
Proposed changes to England’s national curriculum aim to ensure it is fit for the future, writes Professor Becky Francis in her introduction to the final report of the government’s independent curriculum review. The panel that conducted the review sought to address the “rich knowledge and skills young people need to thrive in our fast-changing world”.
From the outset, the review limited itself to “evolution not revolution”, and in the…
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By Jeremiah Stanley, Postdoctoral Researcher, Viral and Cancer Genes, University of Limerick
Serotonin is often described as the happiness chemical because of its well-known role in regulating mood. However, recent research suggests this familiar molecule may play an unexpected role in cancer development. Not through its effects on the brain, but through a completely different mechanism in other parts of the body.
Despite serotonin being commonly associated with the brain, almost 95% of the body’s…
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By Abdallah Abdallah
...AI is forecast to contribute USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with the majority of benefits going to high-income nations. This disparity underscores the need for inclusive AI development and governance.
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By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Most observers believe Ley will be forced out by her party – the only issue now is how long it will take.
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By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor, The Conversation
This newsletter was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox…
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By Cynthia Ebot Takang
A social uprising in Cameroon’s English speaking regions degenerated into a profitable business: Armed groups now sustain this crisis through a brutal system of kidnappings, extorting at least USD 7,884,000 from civilians in 2023 alone.
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image A protestor checks her phone during the youth-led protests against proposed tax hikes in Kenya's finance bill 2024/2025. © 2024 Boniface Muthoni/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images (Nairobi, November 6, 2025) – Kenya’s newly enacted Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendments) Act, 2025, risks criminalizing legitimate online speech and its overbroad provisions should be repealed, Human Rights Watch said today. The amendment was passed by Parliament and assented to by President William Ruto on October 15.The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act was…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image United Nations Social Summit in Doha, Qatar, 2025. © 2025 Sylvain Aubry/Human Rights Watch At the second United Nations Social Summit in Qatar this week, dozens of governments adopted the Doha Political Declaration, renewing their commitments to tackle poverty, create decent work, combat discrimination, expand access to social security, and fulfill human rights. Governments should now match their words with action by enabling the necessary resources to realize these commitments, and next week’s second round of negotiations for a UN Framework Convention on International…
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Thursday, November 6, 2025
The UN Special Adviser on genocide prevention has raised concerns over widespread allegations of war crimes committed in Sudan’s El Fasher last month, and plans to meet his African Union counterpart on Friday to discuss a coordinated response.
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