Nearsightedness is at epidemic levels – and the problem begins in childhood

While reading, scrolling and focusing on other objects near our faces increase the risk of developing myopia, a little time outdoors in the sun can help mitigate it.

Andrew Herbert, Professor of Psychology, Visual Perception, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
April 24, 2024 ~7 min

How trains linked rival port cities along the US East Coast into a cultural and economic megalopolis

Love it or hate it, the ‘Acela Corridor’ has developed a widely recognized identity thanks to the trains that link it together.

David Alff, Associate Professor of English, University at Buffalo • conversation
April 24, 2024 ~9 min


Why Germany ditched nuclear before coal – and why it won’t go back

Understanding Berlin’s nuclear exit, one year on.

Trevelyan Wing, Fellow of the Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics and Centre Researcher at the Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance (CEENRG), University of Cambridge • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~8 min

A Nasa rover has reached a promising place to search for fossilised life on Mars

The Perseverance rover has arrived at what’s thought to be an ancient shoreline on Mars.

Sean McMahon, Chancellor's Fellow in Astrobiology, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min

What you eat could alter your unborn children and grandchildren’s genes and health outcomes

Studies show a parent’s poor diet could affect the genes of generations to come – and set up children and grandchildren for obesity and cardiovascular issues.

Thomas D. Crenshaw, Professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~10 min

‘I might as well stop and diversify into holiday lets’ – new research reveals the reality of farming after Brexit

Some farmers are bewildered and anxious about changes to the way they work.

Deema Refai, Associate Professor in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, University of Leeds • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min

From the coast to the deep sea, changing oxygen levels affect marine life in different ways

Marine species respond to ocean deoxygenation in different ways depending on where in the ocean they live.

Marco Fusi, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology, Newcastle University • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min

Flat faces and difficulty breathing: how pet trends have harmed animal health – and what we can we do about it

The genetic mutations responsible for the unusual physical features in animals can also cause great harm.

Jacqueline Boyd, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min


Nasa to overhaul mission returning samples from Mars – here’s why it must and will go ahead

There’s anxiety among space scientists following Nasa’s decision to rethink sample return mission from Mars.

John Bridges, Professor of Planetary Science, University of Leicester • conversation
April 22, 2024 ~7 min

A global plastics treaty is being negotiated in Ottawa this week – here’s the latest

The treaty focuses on ending plastic pollution, not eliminating the use of plastics. But some countries are more ambitious than others.

Steve Fletcher, Professor of Ocean Policy and Economy, University of Portsmouth • conversation
April 22, 2024 ~8 min

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