Latest Stories
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McCartney is a Dickens for our day, says poet
Should Paul McCartney get a Nobel prize? News of a new 900-page autobiography has sparked comparisons with Charles Dickens – and a claim that the former Beatle is a major literary figure.
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Four faces that ask us what we stand for
Is the West complicit in Middle Eastern barbarism? As details emerge about the fate of the region’s rebels, some say it is time for democracies to drop links with their autocratic allies.
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Dramatic crash threatens champion’s career
Is this man the greatest athlete in history? In the latest of many dramatic life events, Tiger Woods has survived a terrifying car accident, but there are fears he may never play golf again.
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Woman wins pay for five years of housework
Should housework be paid work? A Chinese woman has been granted compensation in her divorce for care work. The ruling has sparked a discussion that echoes a longstanding feminist demand.
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Russian scientists unearth ancient viruses
Should scientists be examining prehistoric viruses? As Russian researchers announce that they will start studying frozen pathogens, some fear their curiosity might doom humanity.
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Discovered! Secret formula behind every genius
Are there rules to becoming a genius? A Harvard academic believes that he has established the key ingredients – but warns that those with great minds are not always great human beings.
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UK celebrates one-way road to freedom in June
Is "back to normal" the right thing to hope for? As the world looks hopefully towards the end of the pandemic, some are asking if now is the time to start building “better” instead.
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The young poet whose words are a joy for ever
Are we too obsessed with youthful genius? John Keats died 200 years ago today at the age of 25, having written some of the most beautiful and influential poems in the English language.
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All eyes on Murdoch as Facebook row deepens
Was Facebook right to ban news content in Australia? As the tech giant responds to a new law, some warn this is a battle with only one real winner – controversial media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
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‘Day of hope’ as US rejoins climate agreement
Is there still time to rescue nature? The US is returning to climate talks today, in a turning-point year for the planet. The situation is bleak, but scientists say nature CAN be restored.
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NASA starts the search for life on Mars
Is the Mars story more about psychology than science? It is presented as the ultimate quest for knowledge but many believe it tells us more about our deepest desires and dreams.
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How a troubled tourist became a TV sensation
Is our obsession with true crime unhealthy? A new series about the disappearance of a young traveller has captivated millions. But critics say the genre harms victims and viewers alike.
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Row intensifies over vaccine passports
Are they a good idea? Several countries already require proof of vaccination to allow travel. Some hope these passports can help reopen the economy; others are bitterly against them.
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Fears grow for kidnapped princess’s safety
Does the liberal West have a right to condemn Dubai? A BBC exposé about the plight of Princess Latifa has triggered a worldwide outcry against her father’s tyrannical behaviour.
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AI has no idea of right and wrong say experts
Is the science of artificial intelligence unethical? As researchers warn that it can be used for racial profiling and surveillance, a new call for ethical control has just been published.