Society
-
Happiness survey reveals our big mistake
Do you think things can only get better? Optimists will be disappointed by the results of a new study showing that people the world over are wrong to think they will be happier in future.
-
‘Ban Crufts!’ say dog lovers as show opens
Should Crufts be banned? The UK’s biggest dog show opened its doors yesterday. The judges are under strict instructions to steer clear of giving top prizes to unhealthy hounds.
-
The professor who wants to teach happiness
If you’re happy and you know it, are you sure? A professor at a top American university thinks too few students feel happy, so she’s going to give a course on how — and it’s proving popular.
-
Boiled alive! Call to stop lobster torture
No one would plunge a living cow into a pot of boiling water, so why do this to a lobster? Switzerland has banned cooking lobsters by boiling them alive in case they can feel pain.
-
Happy new year! Your guide to 2018…
Will it be a good year? Predicting the future is tricky, but there are a few things to look out for in 2018 — including Olympic games, a royal wedding, and a pioneering trip into space.
-
Thousands go crazy for rare ‘supermoon’
Can the Moon really affect our minds? This weekend photos emerged of an unusual looking full Moon brightening skies all over the world. Humans remain as entranced by our satellite as ever.
-
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and a new era for Britain
Will Meghan Markle change Britain? The stylish celebrity is now engaged to Prince Harry. American, divorced and mixed race, she is unlike other royals. The country is excited about her…
-
Spend less time on your phone says the pope
Should we limit our time with phones? Kids spend over six hours looking at screens every day. Now, Pope Francis has said it is “a very ugly thing” when people use their phones during Mass.
-
Fireworks like ‘setting fire to piles of money’
Is lighting fireworks a bit like burning money? Councils looking for cuts are targeting traditional displays. But the tradition of “beautiful extravagance” has a long and important history.
-
First female Marines officer makes history
The US Marine Corps recently appointed their first ever female officer. To become a marine you must be strong, and officer training is famously tough. Should more girls go into the military?
-
Boys and girls: should labels be scrapped?
A secondary school has introduced a “gender neutral” uniform. John Lewis has removed its “girls” and “boys” labels from children’s clothes. Should girls and boys wear different clothes?
-
‘Build bicycle-only cities!’ says architect
The first bicycle was invented 200 years ago. It changed for ever the way human beings travel. Now, one man is calling for a bicycle-only city called “Velotopia”. Should cars be banned?
-
Malia and Tiffany: First Daughters on campus
Malia Obama and Tiffany Trump have begun their first years at college. The press has already shown an interest and pictures of both have appeared on social media. Should they get privacy?
-
Handwriting makes a comeback in classrooms
Until recently, it looked like handwriting lessons were on their way out of American schools. Not anymore. As technology makes typing easier, do we really need to learn how to write neatly?
-
Critical thinking: Does maths have the answer?
James Ball, a journalist, believes critical thinking can be taught through subjects like maths. With the rise in fake news, should all primary students be taught critical thinking in school?