TOK: Imagination
-
We may not like who we are about to become
What do the classics teach us? As we enter the dark tunnel of the 2020 pandemic, we will face hard questions. Take comfort that some of our greatest writers have struggled with them before.
-
Secrets of England’s greatest treasure trove
Should we all be neo-Saxons now? A new exhibition will highlight the dazzling artistic creations of the Anglo-Saxons and the lessons we can learn from their way of life, 1,400 years on.
-
Trains ‘to replace planes’ within 20 years
Are they the future of travel? Britain, yesterday, announced its new railway. Meanwhile, engineers are designing “space travel on Earth” to replace planes with clean, super-fast trains.,
-
At the Baftas, white actors are the winners
Is the film industry too interested in stories about white people? Despite years of debate about representation, there was a remarkable lack of diversity at last night’s Bafta film awards.
-
Studio Ghibli goes for global dominance
Are the best animated films made in Japan? With the first Studio Ghibli films moving to Netflix tomorrow, we examine why anime has become so popular and if it can ever surpass Disney.
-
Science shows resolutions NOT a waste of time
Are New Year resolutions worth it? Around one-quarter of people give up their resolutions after just one week, while fewer than one in 10 will maintain their goal to the end of the year.
-
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.
-
Baby Yoda takes the internet by storm
Is cuteness a science? The ancient, alien sage has been reborn as an infant in a new Star Wars spin-off. One doctor says that our frenzied reaction to Baby Yoda has a scientific explanation.
-
Hidden meaning of The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Is it literature or just a great story? The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr will become a TV film, with an all-star cast, this Christmas. Critics say it is a powerfully symbolic tale.
-
‘Smart skin’ makes virtual touch a reality
Should touch become digital? A new, thin, wireless skin could allow us to reach through a screen and touch what is on the other side. Are we living in a dream or a nightmare?
-
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.
-
‘Why austere Advent beats cheesy Christmas’
Is Advent better than Christmas? The season of Advent has officially begun and will continue until midnight on Christmas Eve. Some say the anticipation is better than Christmas Day itself.
-
Scientists studying hibernation for humans
Should humans learn to hibernate? A bear can “pause” its body for months on end without suffering any harm. Researchers think this ability, if harnessed by humans, could transform medicine.
-
‘The American festival we all should celebrate’
Should Thanksgiving go global? It seems like a holiday that’s as American as pumpkin pie. But there are variants of this day all around the world, revolving around the concept of gratitude.
-
Priceless jewels swiped in dramatic heist
Is it wrong to be fascinated by heists? In the dead of night, robbers made away with a £1 billion haul from one of Europe’s most tightly-guarded castles. It’s a drama of Hollywood proportions.