By Kobus Maree, Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria
The world of work today, in the 21st century, is far more unpredictable than it was in the 20th century. Jobs come and go, roles change constantly, and automation and digital disruption are the only constants. Many young people will one day do jobs that don’t yet exist or did not exist a few years ago. Change is the new normal.
In this world, career counselling focuses on navigating repeated transitions and developing…
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By Neil Saunders, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, City St George's, University of London
Here are the answers to the festive maths quiz I set on December 23. I hope you enjoyed it.
Read more: The magic of maths: festive puzzles to give your brain and imagination a workout
Puzzle 1: You are given nine gold coins that…
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By Abigail Parrish, Lecturer in Languages Education, University of Sheffield
Jessica Mary Bradley, Senior Lecturer in Literacies and Language, University of Sheffield
Language learning is often a daunting prospect. Many of us wish we had learned a language to a higher level at school. But even though adults of all ages can do well in acquiring a new language, fear – or the memory of struggling to memorise grammar at school – can hold us back.
We both work in languages education and recognise the real benefits that learning…
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By Johan Kjellberg Jensen, Visiting research fellow in Environmental Sciences, Lund University
We’re constantly told that spending time in nature is good for the body and the mind alike. A large body of research shows multiple health benefits from contact with nature, ranging from stress reduction to an improved immune system and even improved academic achievement in children.
But not everyone is getting these benefits. Some people have feelings of fear, dislike or disgust towards animals and nature. The phenomenon, biophobia, has been somewhat overlooked…
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By Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
For many people, the run-up to Christmas is filled with excitement and anticipation. For others, it can quietly tip into something more difficult. A drop in mood is particularly common after Christmas, especially in the final week of the year and the first days of the new one. Understanding why this happens can help make that emotional dip easier to manage.
The post-Christmas blues are closely linked to the brain’s reward system. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow brain cells to…
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By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol
When you curse after stubbing your toe, you’re not losing control – you’re activating ancient neural circuits that help your body cope with pain.
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By Seán Jordan, Associate Professor in Chemistry, Dublin City University
How did life begin on Earth? While scientists have theories, they don’t yet fully understand the precise chemical steps that led to biology, or when the first primitive life forms appeared.
But what if Earth’s life did not originate here, instead arriving on meteorites from Mars? It’s not the most favoured theory for life’s origins, but it remains an intriguing hypothesis. Here, we’ll examine the evidence for and against.
Timing is a key factor. Mars formed around 4.6 billion years ago, while Earth is slightly younger at 4.54 billion years old. The surfaces of both planets…
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By Jo Carter
Japan’s challenge is to reconcile the desire to preserve creative and erotic expression with the need to ensure that public spaces respect the differences among humankind.
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By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University
Rob Brooks, Scientia Professor of Evolution, UNSW Sydney
The University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, who has died aged 52, was driven by a deep love of science and a desire to safeguard the planet’s future.
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By Justin Bergman, International Affairs Editor, The Conversation
When a would-be autocrat dominates a party like Trump has with the Republicans, it gives him a legitimate vehicle to ram through a democracy.
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