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Values and ethical living

Blurry photo of a vibrant bar scene with a table of drinks, red lighting and indistinct figures moving around.

Neurodiversity

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Living without mental imagery may shield against trauma’s impact

Discovering that I’m aphantasic helped me understand my response to being assaulted and why I wasn’t debilitated by PTSD

by J B Smith

A yellow bird singing on a branch with a soft-focus green background.

Animals

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Learn to tune into birdsong – respite and fascination await

Listening deeply to the sounds of birds is a powerful form of meditation and a first step towards a rewarding new hobby

by David M Logue

Woman seated at a cafeteria table reading a book, with her shoes kicked off.

The body and physical health

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In defence of slouching: the bad science behind good posture

The idea that we should all stand straight is widely accepted. But this modern obsession has dubious origins

by Beth Linker

Photo of an earthworm on rough grey asphalt surface with visible texture and sunlight casting shadows.

Bioethics

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Why, in a universe of pain, I’m saving stranded earthworms

Any action can seem futile amid so much suffering. I’ve realised the important thing is to stop despairing and do something

by Claire E Schultz

Illustration of a nurse pouring a drink for a seated man at a table with flowers and books.

Cultural diversity

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What we lose by being overly scientific about healthcare

Empirical studies tell us about treatment outcomes, but they overlook the cultural dynamics that can help us feel better

by Ana Todorović

A person in protective gear disinfecting a cinema with an animated film playing on the screen in the background.

Progress and the future

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The empathy gap that is imperilling future generations

To protect our descendants from catastrophe, we must overcome the emotional hurdles that make it easy for us to look away

by Matthew Coleman

Painting of a man sitting, holding a crumpled letter while a black dog stands with its paw on his knee by a closed door.

Social history

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How the law soothed broken hearts in 19th-century America

What does a deep dive into the transcripts of historical seduction trials reveal about how we account for hurt feelings?

by Jinal Dadiya

Photo of a newborn baby wearing a pink wristband and clothes wrapped in a green blanket, sleeping peacefully.

Consciousness

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When does the first spark of human consciousness ignite?

We can’t ask babies what they’re feeling, but ingenious new methods are shedding light on the origins of subjective awareness

by Joel Frohlich

Photo of two astronauts in spacesuits on a simulated lunar surface with a lunar module in the background.

Technology and media

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Why deepfakes pose less of a threat than many predict

Applying Descartes’ sceptical puzzle to deepfake videos reveals the challenge they present is one that we can rise to

by Keith Raymond Harris

Illustration of diverse people in warm earth tones overlapping in a crowd, highlighting various cultures and expressions.

Wisdom

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Wisdom is a virtue, but how do we judge if someone has it?

Our team explored who is considered wise in cultures with contrasting philosophical traditions. The results surprised us

by Maksim Rudnev & Igor Grossmann

Photo of a busy night street market with people and colourful tricycles in the Philippines, lit by street lights and signage.

Communication and language

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The tentacles of language are always on the move

An evolutionary biologist explains how human language can shift as slowly or rapidly as organisms adapting to life on Earth

by Klaus M Stiefel

Photo of six people sitting on a bench in a waiting area appearing bored or pensive.

Civic life

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Bureaucracy and other civic bullshit can be good for us

No one enjoys waiting in stuffy buildings or on congested roadways, but there’s an upside to our fellowship of frustration

by Joel Cox