Latest Stories
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The fascinating, undying power of curiosity
Could curiosity be the most important human attribute? It lets us transform chaos into questions, boredom into wisdom, and allows us to find pleasure in the mysteries of the Universe.
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‘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?
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Curtain to fall on the ‘best decade in history’
Were the 2010s really the best decade ever? Swedish historian Johan Norberg says the statistics prove that the world is happier, healthier, freer and richer than ever.
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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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Trump, NATO, the NHS and a wicked Russian plot
Is Russia interfering in UK politics? A new report suggests that Putin is “sowing confusion” and disinformation online in the latest stage of an information war on its NATO enemies.
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Seal with Starbucks spotlights ocean plight
Are we killing our sea life? A seal clutches a glass bottle in a photo that’s gone viral. Baby porpoises are poisoned by chemical pollutants. Then, a whale washes up with 100kg of litter in its...
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UN chief: climate talks at ‘point of no return’
Is he right? The world’s biggest climate summit kicked off in Madrid yesterday, with 29,000 delegates from almost every nation. António Guterrez thinks this is our last shot to get it right.
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‘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.
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Trapped by a whale tusk and fire extinguisher
Is anyone to blame? Usman Khan killed two brilliant, young people who believed in helping criminals, then was cornered by members of the public — before the political accusations started.
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‘Miracle fruit’ from modern tree of knowledge
Is this another turning point? First, the Garden of Eden. Then Steve Jobs. Now, a third apple — the ‘Cosmic Crisp’ — launching today, promises to change everything.
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Black Friday: generosity, greed and guilt
Are Christmas presents a waste? “Black Friday” today and “Cyber Monday” mark the start of a huge spending spree in rich countries — big enough to end world hunger for the next eight years.
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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.
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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 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.
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Exposed: China’s great brainwashing scandal
Is it any of our business? Leaked documents reveal the “brainwashing” of hundreds of thousands in Chinese prison centres, but critics caution against comparisons to Nazi concentration camps.