Briefings
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The religion of Star Wars
What can Star Wars teach us about religion? A trailer for the latest instalment has just been released. Behind the explosions and high-speed chases, there is a fascinating belief system.
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Robots at work
Will technology help or hurt our careers? Machines are transforming all sorts of industries — from cookery to surgery. Find out what this could mean for you in the future.
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Fracking
What is fracking? And why does it make some people so angry? Many activists say that this way of getting oil is very dangerous for the environment.
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The lost tribes
John Allen Chau was killed by a tribe on a remote Indian island. He was trying to contact the North Sentinelese — one of many uncontacted tribes from around the world.
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Self-driving cars
Will driverless cars change the world for the better? Google, Uber, Ford and others are all investing in the technology. Some say they will revolutionise our lives sooner than we think.
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The next extinctions
The death of the world’s last, male, northern, white rhino has highlighted Earth’s huge extinction crisis. Just how many species are at risk — and what can be done to save them?
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European football
After some quiet years, English football clubs are once again dominating the European scene. How is the sport played across Europe, and is this a golden age for English football?
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Exoplanets
Scientists are about to confirm the discovery of the 4,000th planet outside of our own solar system. What are these mysterious worlds, and will we find alien life on them?
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Endangered languages
Over 2,000 languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers. More than half of the world’s languages are in danger of dying out by the end of the century. What are they and how can we save them?
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The secrets of the Moon
In January, China became the first nation to land a probe on the mysterious “dark side” of the Moon. Now, it says it is planning to build a research base on the Moon’s South Pole.
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The story of the NHS
The NHS is celebrating its birthday next week. It has been 71 years since it was founded in the spirit of post-war optimism, making health care free for all UK citizens. How did it happen?
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Air pollution
Seven million people die from air pollution every year. It has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. What is it, how does it work, and what is being done to reduce it?
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The future of English
Will English always be the language of the world? It is thought that 1.5 billion people around the world speak some English. But that number may start shrinking, for various reasons…
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The origins of humanity
Scientists believe they have found a new type of ancient human. The discovery partly rewrites the history of our species — a story that stretches back millions of years.
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What is Islamophobia?
All week, calls have been mounting for a clampdown on racist attacks against Muslims. What is driving hate against Islam in Western countries, and especially in Europe, and how can we stop it?