Briefings
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Bitcoin
After just over 10 years of existence, the first centralised cryptocurrency continues to soar in value. What is it about Bitcoin that makes it so irresistible? And will its success last?
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Icebergs
Beautiful and dangerous, icebergs wander the ocean’s surface until they melt. These powerful mountains of ice have the ability to capsize huge vessels – and support entire ecosystems.
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Smartphones
Built into every smartphone on Earth is a stunning collection of around 70 precious and rare metals. How did these valuable elements get into our devices – and can we reclaim them?
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Missions to Mars
After seven months of travelling through space, three rival space robot probes are set to reach Mars within days of one another. What does each mission hope to achieve on the red planet?
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Top taxpayers
The Sunday Times has released the 50 highest tax bills of 2021. Many see the annual list as a celebration of good citizenship. But how do taxes work? And why are they important to society?
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Fast fashion
Internet fashion retailers Boohoo and Asos continue to grow in popularity – partly due to online trends and social media pressure. Some worry about the growing problem of fast fashion.
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Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris will make history today when she becomes the first female, Black and South Asian vice president in US history. What will her term look like? And could she be president one day?
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Carbon emissions
To reach vital global warming targets, over 100 countries have promised to reduce their emissions to net zero by 2050. How can each and every one of us contribute to this massive challenge?
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An evolving virus
Since it was first identified last year, the virus causing Covid-19 has mutated thousands of times. But while most variants have little effect on the disease, some pose more of a risk.
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The future of tech
How will technology change our lives next year? One thing is sure: the pace of progress will be faster because it is currently roughly doubling every year – bringing wonders in its wake.
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Life after Brexit
From 1 January, the UK will no longer be following EU rules as the next stage of Brexit begins. What changes have been agreed on so far? And how likely are they to affect daily life?
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Advent calendars
December has arrived, which means that it is time to start opening the doors on this year’s Advent calendar. But what is Advent – and where did the tradition of calendars come from?
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Black Friday
Today, it is recognised by retailers as the most important shopping day of the year, with people spending millions on purchases. But that was not always true. What is the history of Black...
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International Space Station
In the same month that astronauts celebrate 20 years of life on the International Space Station, the first commercial SpaceX crew arrives on board for a historic six month stay.
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Animals of war
Throughout human history, people have fought in wars – and they have taken animals with them. But what did these animal war heroes do? And how are they honoured on Remembrance Day?