Global triggers: why these five big issues could cause significant problems in 2024: The tensions between the US and China made the global economy shudder in 2023. The ramifications of the Ukrainian war echoed beyond the country’s border. In Africa, the coup d’état in Niger and Gabon contributed to the global democratic retreat of recent …
Why David Cameron’s past and present relations with China could be Rishi Sunak’s first big political headache of 2024: Almost immediately after being appointed as foreign secretary, David Cameron’s ties with China generated difficult headlines for Rishi Sunak’s government. Cameron’s warmth towards China during his own time as prime minister prompted Luke de Pulford, the …
Crash diets may work against you – and could have permanent consequences: Drastically lowering calories may damage your metabolism. Inside Creative House/ Shutterstock Those trying to kick-start their weight loss or perhaps wanting to lose a few pounds before a big event or holiday may be tempted to try a crash diet. While it’s true …
Switching to plant-based diets means cleaner air – and it could save more than 200,000 lives around the world: Foxys Forest Manufacture/Shutterstock Adopting a healthier diet will probably feature prominently in many of our New Year’s resolutions. But it’s often challenging for people to live up to their intentions. But there are good reasons to …
Scrutiny of OpenAI and Microsoft relationship could affect how AI industry grows and innovates: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. MeSSrro/Shutterstock The boardroom of OpenAI, the business that developed ChatGPT, has seen some turbulent times recently. But while the drama around the sacking and reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman has subsided, the company now faces investigation …
How Red Sea attacks on cargo ships could disrupt deliveries and push up prices – a logistics expert explains: The Suez Canal is a busy shipping lane but companies are diverting ships to other routes following attacks on vessels. Mariusz Bugno/Shutterstock Attacks on international cargo ships in the Red Sea from Houthi-controlled Yemen have seen …
Could dinosaurs be the reason humans can’t live for 200 years?: Rattana/Shutterstock All human beings age. It is part of our biology and limits our lifespan to slightly over 120 years. Not all animals experience ageing during their lives. Some animals’ bodies do not gradually degenerate as they get older the way our bodies do. …
UK government facing legal action for failing to tackle climate change – but it could backfire: The parish of Whimpell once stood on the Norfolk coast between the village of Happisburgh and the sea. Whimpell disappeared into the sea centuries ago thanks to coastal erosion. And now Happisburgh is facing a similar threat. Some, however, …
Interest rates have stopped rising, but 2023 hikes could still cause recession for some economies: Central banks in the US, UK and Europe have been trying to slow inflation without creating a recession. eamesBot/Shutterstock Central banks on both sides of the Atlantic kept their main interest rates unchanged for the fourth successive month in December …
A new supercomputer aims to closely mimic the human brain — it could help unlock the secrets of the mind and advance AI: Sdecoret / Shutterstock A supercomputer scheduled to go online in April 2024 will rival the estimated rate of operations in the human brain, according to researchers in Australia. The machine, called DeepSouth, …
How much could the NHS save if people had healthier lifestyles? Hundreds of millions according to research: encierro/Shutterstock The NHS spends a lot of time and money looking after people who smoke, or drink too much or don’t do enough exercise. Hospital admissions and treatments are an expensive business. So what would happen if these …
How the bill to declare Rwanda a ‘safe’ country for refugees could lead to a constitutional crisis: Rishi Sunak has had a small win in the ongoing saga of the UK government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. The second reading of the safety of Rwanda (asylum and immigration) bill has passed the Commons, …
Social isolation and loneliness linked to poor health – our study could help explain why: ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Numerous studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of early death, on a scale comparable to other known risk factors such as smoking and obesity. This year, the US surgeon general …
England Rugby captain’s decision to prioritise mental health could inspire more athletes to do the same: Many elite athletes still find it difficult to speak out about their mental health. Marco Iacobucci Epp/ Shutterstock England Rugby Union captain Owen Farrell recently announced he was deciding to step away from international duties. The 32-year-old said his …
Digital platforms like TikTok could help China extend its censorship regime across borders: Primakov / Shutterstock China’s drive to expand its influence through soft power mechanisms like censorship is coming into sharper focus, especially under Xi Jinping’s leadership. Recently, the social media app TikTok has become a prominent symbol of this global strategy. The platform …
The longstanding mystery of Mars’ moons – and the mission that could solve it: NASA The two small moons of Mars, Phobos (about 22km in diameter) and Deimos (about 13km in diameter), have been puzzling scientists for decades, with their origin remaining a matter of debate. Some have proposed that they may be made up …
Apple, Disney and other big brands are pulling X ads – why Elon Musk’s latest ‘firestorm’ could bring down the company: Frederic Legrand – COMEO/Shutterstock Elon Musk’s recent endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory on X (formerly Twitter) is the latest in a series of controversial statements the owner of the social media platform has …
How a hybrid heating system could lower your bills and shrink your carbon footprint: Hybrid systems combine two or more technologies to heat a house. ThomsonD/Shutterstock To heat your home without damaging the climate, you will need to replace your gas boiler. UK government advisers recommend switching to appliances that run on electricity. However, if …