Cultural diversity
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Insularity can be a good thing, for creatures and cultures alike
The plight of threatened species can help us understand – and respond to – the endangerment of local ideas and practices
by Antone Martinho-Truswell
Autism
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Late autism diagnosis: it’s a relief, but who’s behind the mask?
By the time an adult learns they’re autistic, they have often been covering up for years. A period of self-discovery awaits
by Leonie Mercedes
Conflict and conflict resolution
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Restorative justice fits human nature more than retribution does
As recognised by ancestral wisdom and Indigenous practices, our need to repair relationships is a deep-rooted instinct
by Flavia Corso
Social history
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Bunkerised society – why prepping for end times is so American
Millions are preparing for doomsday, not together, but by closing the hatch. It’s a logical response to a hollowed-out state
by Robert Kirsch & Emily Ray
Neurodiversity
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Living without mental imagery may shield against trauma’s impact
Discovering I have aphantasia helped me understand my response to being assaulted and why I wasn’t debilitated by PTSD
by J B Smith
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
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
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
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
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
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
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