Culture
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The spelling queen bee making history
Does spelling really matter? Fourteen-year-old Zaila Avant-garde has just become the first African-American to win a famous spelling competition in the USA. But is the contest pointless?
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The refugee who became a chess champion
Should everybody play chess? A 10-year-old boy who had to flee his country and live on the streets has become a chess master. He says playing the game changed his life for the better.
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Revealed! How Cruella de Vil became so evil
Are villains more interesting than heroes? A new Disney film follows the story of Cruella de Vil’s early life. The tale is making people think differently about “goodies” and “baddies”.
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The plan to update the Roman Colosseum
Should old buildings be changed? Officials in Italy have plans to build a new, hi-tech floor in the Colosseum. It will give visitors the chance to stand where gladiators once fought.
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Robot art goes on display in London
Can machines be creative? Visitors are rushing to see self-portraits painted by a robot. Some say it could be the future of art. But others say only humans can be truly imaginative.
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The future cities that could save the planet
Can cities really fight climate change? Around the world, new neighbourhoods are being designed where you can get all you need within a 15-minute walk. They could help reduce emissions.
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Eureka! Scientists could soon talk to spiders
If animals could speak, would they say anything interesting? Researchers have translated the shape of a spider web into music. It could be the first step in talking to other species.
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The remarkable life of Prince Philip
Did he see more change than any of us will? Prince Philip died on Friday aged 99. The Queen’s husband had an incredible life and lived through some of the most important events in history.
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Celebrity fakes take TikTok by storm
Should we have to label deepfakes? Ultra-realistic videos of actor Tom Cruise are trending on social media. But some people might want to use the technology for harm rather than good.
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Disney’s Soul nominated for three awards
Are small pleasures the best thing in life? Soul is up for three prizes at the famous Bafta film awards. The film teaches an important lesson about how to make the most of each day.
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WandaVision secrets revealed in new show
Are superheroes good role models? A behind-the-scenes documentary series being released later this week will reveal secrets about Marvel’s biggest TV shows, to the delight of millions of fans.
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Robot artist puts paintings on show
Can machines really create art? A museum in London has announced it is putting on a show of self-portraits painted by an AI artist. But some critics argue that robots cannot be creative.
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Tracy Beaker show breaks TV record
Should she have a fairy tale ending? A show about Tracy Beaker and her daughter was watched 2.1 million times in its first week. Does Tracy deserve the ending she has always dreamt of?
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Ancient horn plays music after 17,000 years
Is music our greatest invention? Experts have produced three notes on an ancient shell once used as a musical instrument. It is the first time the horn has been played for 17,000 years.
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Millions celebrate the Year of the Ox
Do the planets control your future? On Friday, a quarter of the world’s population will welcome in a new lunar year. Many hope the ox will bring stability and positivity for the year ahead.