Nigeria’s Hadejia wetlands are a vital stopover for migrating birds: new survey records species found in the park: The Hadejia Wetlands National Park in north-western Nigeria is a vital ecological treasure, designated as both a globally important wetland (Ramsar site) and an Important Bird Area, a site recognised internationally for conserving birds. Spanning 297km², the …
All-UK astronaut mission shows that private enterprise is vital to the future of space exploration: Tim Peake could come out of retirement to command the mission. NASA The UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with a US company called Axiom Space to develop a space mission carrying four astronauts from the UK. The flight …
Forests are vital to protect the climate, yet the world is falling far behind its targets: Atstock Productions / shutterstock The world is falling behind on commitments to protect and restore forests, according to the recent Forest Declaration Assessment. There is no serious pathway to fixing climate change while forest losses continue at current rates, …
Schools know sharing sex ed lessons with parents is vital – it’s something they already do: Media_Photos/Shutterstock The education secretary Gillian Keegan has written to schools in England stating that they should be sharing relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) teaching materials with parents and carers, even if copyright contracts with external providers of school …
Gaza has been blockaded for 16 years – here’s what a ‘complete siege’ and invasion could mean for vital supplies: After 56 years of occupation and a 16-year blockade, the Gaza Strip (Gaza) is now subjected to what Israel’s defence minister described as a “complete siege”. Water, food, energy and fuel supplies have been severed …
Israel-Gaza conflict: when social media fakes are rampant, news verification is vital: As news of Palestinian militant group Hamas launching a deadly attack on Israel and Israel’s threat of retaliation began to filter across news networks and social media platforms, a wave of misinformation and fake videos rose alongside. In a “tech-first” society, it is …
Kenya: Ongata Rongai boom town destroyed two vital rivers – new study flags a major health risk: Over the past 10 years, Ongata Rongai, a satellite town on the edge of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, has experienced uncontrolled development and exponential population growth. Because of its appealing location close to the city, it’s jumped from just …
Brain injuries may affect women worse than men – introduction of concussion spotters to Women’s World Cup could prove vital: Kelley O'Hara of the USA playing in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final. O'Hara was substituted for a head injury at half time. Romain Biard/Shutterstock The matches at the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup …
South Africa’s public protector has a vital watchdog role. Researcher offers tips on how the selection process can be improved: Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane at her impeachment hearing in Cape Town. Lombard/Gallo Images via Getty Images The end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994 made it necessary to establish several institutions to underpin the …
The secret world of moss, ancient ancestor of all plants and vital for the health of the planet: Macromitrium microstomum is found throughout New Zealand on the trunks or branches of smooth-barked trees, or on rock Silvia Pressel, Author provided When people consider extraordinary plants, most probably don’t spare a thought for moss. It blends …
Technology can play a vital role in limiting online gambling – here’s how: Over a quarter of people in the UK gamble online at least once every four weeks. Wpadington / Shutterstock More than a quarter of people in the UK gamble online at least once every four weeks. And 1%–2% of UK adults demonstrate …
Germany’s new migration policy could take away vital talent from several African countries: This form of skilled labour migration should be rethought. Getty Images Germany has announced a project for migrant centres in five African countries which would offer a select category of Africans the possibility of settling on its soil. The Conversation Africa’s Assane …
In the far from diverse publishing industry, sensitivity readers are vital: A sensitivity read can help authors feel confident. Andrii Kobryn/Shutterstock Publishing houses have set the cat among the pigeons. They have introduced “sensitivity readers”. Some authors are claiming this amounts to censorship. But what is the truth of this relatively new practice? Sensitivity readers …
Working for cash in hand can be a vital career step and a way out of poverty: Shutterstock/Barabas Csaba Being paid for work in cash is often frowned upon in the UK. It can be seen as a way of avoiding tax, or cheating the system, and detrimental to economic growth. Others say it is …
Water ATMs were introduced in Ghana – and are changing the way people can access this vital resource: A water-vendor collects water in jerrycans to sell. TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images Universal, safe and reliable water access is a pressing need in the global south. One-quarter of the world’s population don’t currently have access to …
Ukraine war: why the Kinburn spit is of vital military significance and opens up the recapture of Crimea: Seneline/Shutterstock The Kinburn spit, a tiny headland at the mouth of the Dniepro river, has been described as having “enormous strategic importance” in the next phase of the Ukraine war. Ukraine has indicated its intention to liberate …
UN report on China’s abuse of Uyghurs is stronger than expected but missing a vital word: genocide: The long-awaited UN report into human rights abuses committed in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) was finally published last week to a mixed reception. For some – principally the Chinese government – it went too far. Others …
COVID: antiviral drugs are a vital weapon – but misusing them could backfire: MargJohnsonVA/Shutterstock The “living with COVID” strategy being pursued by many countries relies heavily on two key pillars. First, that vaccines continue to protect most people from severe disease. And second, that where they don’t, people will receive antiviral treatments. But are the …