TOK: Indigenous knowledge systems
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Animals understand life better than humans
Is it okay to be wilfully ignorant? A new study of the brain shows that it is programmed to ignore upsetting and inconvenient truths, leaving human beings living in a “reality bubble”.
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First baby bison born in the wild since 1876
Should this be the biggest news story of the day? These mighty beasts were driven to near-extinction 200 years ago. Conservationists are celebrating the birth as a historic turning point.
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Please settle down – all five million of you
Should every country have an Open School – a free online resource? The lockdown has inspired some brilliant experiments in teaching. Many hope that it will change education for ever.
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Flying reindeer and hallucinations in Lapland
Do we need to know where our myths come from? As Christmas Day approaches, we examine the mysterious origins of that much-beloved, white-bearded, reindeer-flying, gift-giver: Santa Claus.
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Don’t lie about Christmas, warn psychologists
Should we stop telling children the Christmas myth is true? Santa Claus, the chimney and the reindeer: it is the story we all grew up with. But some experts argue these lies can be harmful.
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The saint who turned into a monster (for many)
Is it always a mistake to make idols of politicians? After decades opposing the military regime in Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi is now defending the army in court against charges of genocide.
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Sugar named the world’s most popular drug
Should sugar be treated like a drug? A new study shows that seasonal lattes and hot chocolates being sold by some high street coffee chains can contain up to 23 spoonfuls of sugar per cup.
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‘Third gender’ model becomes Vogue cover star
Is there really a third gender? Estrella Vazquez says her appearance in Vogue is a ‘huge moment’, just weeks after a stunning photo exhibition spotlighted Tahiti’s genderless Mahu community.
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The oldest hatred: anti-Semitism on the rise
Is anti-Semitism different from other forms of hate? The British Labour Party and the American Right have both been hit by allegations of Jew-hatred. It has a unique and terrible history.
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The fight to save a continent with emojis
Could a joyous new set of symbols reverse centuries of pessimism about Africa? One young, graphic design student set out to do just that. Against all odds, he is now on the brink of success.
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Iran’s #BlueGirl and the shaming of football
Does world football have any purpose beyond profit? This is the question raised by the abject failure of the highest-governing body of the sport, FIFA, after the death of Sahar Khodayari.
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Battle of the titans launches Rugby World Cup
Whisper it quietly, but is rugby a better game than football? The World Cup kicks off in Tokyo this morning and all the world’s a stage as the giants of the game prepare for an epic battle.
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Emergency plan to deflect giant asteroid
Are asteroids our biggest threat? Scientists are now working on a plan to protect Earth from Didymos, a giant rock the size of Egypt’s great pyramid — one of 20,000 known near-Earth objects.
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What YOU think of Boris, dogs, and banning meat
Do teenagers know best? The Day has been running daily polls to find out what you think about everything — from politics to Jeremy Kyle, to dogs as pets. So, what did you have to say?
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UK lays out plans to teach fake news in schools
Can you be taught to spot fake news? Yesterday, the UK set out its plans to tackle disinformation online. It means that schools across the country will be required to teach news literacy.