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How is Antarctica melting, exactly? Crucial details are beginning to come into focus

By Catherine Vreugdenhil Et Al

The size of the Antarctic ice sheet can be hard to comprehend. Two kilometres thick on average and covering nearly twice the area of Australia, the ice sheet holds enough freshwater to raise global sea levels by 58 metres....

Why Alberta’s Danielle Smith is rejecting the Team Canada approach to Trump’s tariff threats

By Lisa Young

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith finds herself at the centre of controversy because of her refusal to be part of a Team Canada approach to Donald Trumps tariff threats. While other provincial premiers have signed on to a...

Why the Australian Open’s online tennis coverage looks like a Wii sports game

By Marc C-Scott

The 2025 Australian Open (AO) broadcast may seem similar to previous years if youre watching on the television. However, if youre watching online via the official Australian Open TV YouTube channel youll encounter a...

While Hollywood ignored stories of Black resistance, Cuban filmmakers celebrated Black power

By Philip Kaisary

In recent years, there has been an increased push for more diversity and representation on our entertainment screens. The #OscarsSoWhite campaign of 2015 and the enduring social justice movement it generated increased...

From dog whistles to blaring horns, Poilievre makes his case

By Noah Fry

Pierre Poilievres recent 100-minute interview with the psychologist and right-wing media commentator Jordan Peterson provided some clues about the Conservative leaders political ideology heading into a federal election...

Ontario’s high-stakes bet on iGaming: Province profiting from online betting but at what cost to problem gambling?

By Nassim Tabri Et Al

In April 2022, Ontario became the first province in Canada to regulate online gambling and sports. This opened the door to an industry that brought in $1.4 billion in revenue over the next year, making Ontario one of North...

Student unions: Warnings of toxic problems fuelling disillusionment need to be dealt with

By Justin Patrick

Almost every post-secondary student in Canada must live under some form of democratic student government known as a student union. They are largely incorporated under provincial or federal non-profit legislation. Student...

How constitutional guardrails have always contained presidential ambitions

By Victor Menaldo

As Donald Trumps second inauguration fast approaches, concerns he threatens American democracy are rising yet again. Some warnings have cited Trumps authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions...

Gaza ceasefire: fragile deal offers hope for peace but could still fall apart

By Jonathan Este

This article was first published as World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK. Click here to receive this newsletter every Thursday, direct to your inbox. Waiting for news this week of whether a ceasefire deal...

AI-based technology could reduce the number of controversial decisions in boxing

By Kamran Mahroof Et Al

Boxing, the sweet science, is a theatre of skill, power and drama that has captivated audiences for centuries. Yet, behind the allure of championship nights and historic rivalries lies a persistent shadow controversial...

The hidden health risk of having your hair washed

By Maria Ashioti

Going to the hairdresser is often considered a relaxing, pampering experience, but a rare condition known as beauty parlor stroke syndrome (BPSS) can, for a small number of people, make a shampoo at the hairdressers a...

How the UK’s plans for AI could derail net zero – the numbers explained

By Tom Jackson Et Al

The UK governments goal to increase public-controlled artificial intelligence computing power twentyfold by 2030 would significantly raise electricity demand. Can renewable energy supply meet it and still have enough left...

All change! Why the UK’s public transport system could look very different very quickly

By Marcus Mayers Et Al

The UKs public transport system has been in a state of flux since the arrival of COVID. Lockdowns, social distancing and working from home all made customer demand for buses and trains dramatically different from...

How Trump could try to stay in power after his second term ends

By Philip Klinkner

Think Donald Trump cant be president after his second term is up in January 2029? Think again. When President-elect Donald Trump met with congressional Republicans shortly after his November 2024 election victory, he...

Civil servants brace for a second Trump presidency

By Jaime L Kucinskas

On the eve of Donald Trumps inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, some people who work for the federal government are concerned. Trump and his allies have repeatedly promised to dismantle the...

African countries need more PhD graduates but students are held back by a lack of money and support

By Oluwatomilayo Omoya Et Al

Over the past 15 years theres been an increasing demand from within and outside the higher education sector for African countries to produce more PhD graduates. For this to happen, its important to know whats holding...

Gaza: seven big issues affecting the delivery of humanitarian aid

By Sarah Schiffling

If the new Israel-Hamas deal holds and their ceasefire begins on Sunday, the first stage includes a commitment to allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. Announcing the deal to the US public, the outgoing...

How America courted increasingly destructive wildfires − and what that means for protecting homes today

By Justin Angle

The fires burning in the Los Angeles area are a powerful example of why humans have learned to fear wildfire. Fires can level entire neighborhoods in an instant. They can destroy communities, torch pristine forests and...

Joe Biden leaves a complicated legacy on the federal courts

By Paul M. Collins Jr.

President Joe Bidens farewell to elected office on Jan. 20, 2025, presents an opportunity to reflect on the legacy he left on the federal courts. Many will perceive Bidens influence on the courts primarily based on his...

Soaring wealth inequality has remade the map of American prosperity

By Tom Kemeny

One need only glance at headlines about Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and other super-wealthy individuals to understand that wealth in America is increasingly concentrated in fewer and fewer hands. Inequality is sharply on the...

The US ambassador to the UN is tasked with doing a careful dance between Washington and the world

By Abiodun Williams

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican, is set to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Jan. 16, 2025, as part of her confirmation process to become the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations....

Bird flu flares up again in Michigan poultry – an infectious disease expert explains the risk to humans, chickens, cows and other animals

By Kimberly Dodd

After a relatively quiet fall, theres been another spike in cases of bird flu in Michigan. When state officials announced on Dec. 16, 2024, that bird flu had been found in another poultry facility in Ottawa County, it was...

White House Office of Science and Technology Policy provides in-house science advice for the president

By Kenneth Evans

Presidents need science advice. From climate change and pandemics to the governance of AI and the countrys nuclear arsenal, science sits at the center of a range of foreign and domestic policy challenges that reach the...

Bezos’ Blue Origin has successfully launched its New Glenn rocket to orbit − a feat 15 years in the making

By Wendy Whitman Cobb

Just past 2 a.m. Eastern time on Jan. 16, 2025, a new rocket blasted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. By reaching orbit, Blue Origins New Glenn rocket launch has marked a milestone for a...

Caesareans are rising fast in the UK – but giving birth is getting worse for women

By Soo Downe Et Al

Caesarean births are rising worldwide, but the UK has one of the highest rates in Europe, with the fastest increase in recent years. In England, 42% of all births are now by caesarean section compared with 29% five years...

Deepfakes of children: how the government can get to grips with them

By Sue Roberts

The UK government plans to crack down on explicit deepfakes, in which images or videos of people are blended with pornographic material using artificial intelligence (AI) to make it look like an authentic piece of content....

American studies degrees are declining in popularity – but the subject has never been more important

By Sarah Trott

Were witnessing a momentous period in US history and culture. A second Donald Trump presidency promises to be just as turbulent, if not more so, than his first term in office. A proper understanding of how the US works is...

Why LA is on fire (it’s not just climate change)

By Jack Marley

The fires that have engulfed Los Angeles cap the hottest decade in history. Each year in the last ten was record-warm, but 2024 was the warmest ever recorded. Last year, Earth was 1.6C hotter than the temperature average...

Silicon Valley’s bet on AI defence startups and what it means for the future of war – podcast

By Gemma Ware1

From Gaza to Ukraine, todays war zones are being used as testing grounds for new systems driven by artificial intelligence. Billions of dollars are now being pumped into AI weapons technology, much of it from Silicon...

The Silicon Valley venture capitalists who want to ‘move fast and break things’ in the defence industry

By Elke Schwarz

Im a propagandist, Ill twist the truth, Ill put forward only my version of it if I think thats going to propagandise people to believe what I need them to believe. This is not a soundbite from a particularly ebullient...

Wildfires ignite infection risks, by weakening the body’s immune defences and spreading bugs in smoke

By Christine Carson Et Al

Over the past several days, the world has watched on in shock as wildfires have devastated large parts of Los Angeles. Beyond the obvious destruction to landscapes, homes, businesses and more fires at this scale have...

Beyond the Israel–Hamas ceasefire, the future looks unclear. Here are six key unanswered questions

By Ian Parmeter

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, to come into effect on Sunday, has understandably been welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Israelis and Palestinians. Israelis are relieved that a process for freeing...

The LA fires have prompted a reckoning for the insurance industry – Australian premiums could soar as a result

By Paula Jarzabkowski Et Al

A series of wildfires in Los Angeles County have caused widespread devastation in California, including at least 24 deaths and the destruction of more than 12,000 homes and structures. Thousands of residents have been...

US ‘TikTok refugees’ are fleeing to Chinese app RedNote. It’s a new phase of the digital cold war

By Jian Xu

Social media giant TikTok is preparing to shut down its app in the United States this Sunday the day that legislation signed by President Joe Biden last year banning the app takes effect. There is a slim chance this...

Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal: Why now and what next?

By Asher Kaufman

A much-anticipated Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal is set to take effect on Jan. 19, 2025 subject to an Israeli government vote on the package scheduled for the morning of Jan. 16. The breakthrough comes 15 months into...

Meta’s shift to ‘community notes’ risks hurting online health info providers more than ever

By Kath Albury Et Al

Last week, social media giant Meta announced major changes to its content moderation practices. This includes an end to its fact-checking program, starting with the United States. Metas platforms which include Facebook,...

How Justin Trudeau’s resignation could affect the future of the Canadian Dental Care Plan

By Carlos Quiñonez Et Al

Justin Trudeaus resignation raises questions about the future of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Proroguing Parliament until late March will have an impact. While existing spending for the CDCP will continue, the...

Say it with a picture: overcoming legalese in public procurement contracts

By Marta Andhov

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But in the world of legal contracts, pictures can be worth even more by making complicated concepts more accessible to people without expertise. Traditional contracts are often...

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire. It doesn’t guarantee a peaceful end to a devastating war

By Marika Sosnowski

After 467 days of violence, a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been reached and will come into effect on Sunday, pending Israeli government approval. This agreement will not end the war or bring about...

Home ownership is slipping out of reach. It’s time to rethink our fear of ‘forever renting’

By Dorina Pojani

A wide range of voices in the Australian media have been sounding the alarm about the phenomenon of forever-renting. This describes a situation in which individuals or families are unable to transition from renting to home...

‘AI agents’ promise to arrange your finances, do your taxes, book your holidays – and put us all at risk

By Uri Gal

Over the past two years, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has captivated public attention. This year signals the beginning of a new phase: the rise of AI agents. AI agents are autonomous systems that can make...

LA fires: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is poorly understood − and a growing risk

By Luke Montrose

Millions of people across the Los Angeles area are being exposed to wildfire smoke as fires burn through homes and vehicles. The fires in January 2025 have burned thousands of structures, along with the building materials,...

Gaza deal: what it means for peace in the Middle East – expert Q&A

By Scott Lucas

After 15 months of bitter conflict on the Gaza Strip, a ceasefire deal has been agreed which promises an end to the fighting and will allow for the access of food and other desperately needed humanitarian aid to the...

Fertile land for growing vegetables is at risk — but a scientific discovery could turn the tide

By Josée Fortin Et Al

A large proportion of the vegetables consumed in Québec are grown in the Montérégie region in what are known as organic soils. Highly fertile and rich in organic matter, these soils are particularly...

US secretary of state has an expansive job that could make or break peace deals and key foreign alliances

By Monica Duffy Toft

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of state, will testify before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee as part of his confirmation process on Jan. 15, 2025. Rubios nomination is...

Car dealers took secret fees for recommending finance – and consumers could be owed millions

By Derek Whayman

Decades after tens of millions of consumers were mis-sold payment protection insurance, banks are facing another potential scandal in what has been dubbed PPI 2.0. In a major test case in 2024, the Court of Appeal held...

Justin Trudeau’s resignation creates a progressive void in Canada, part of a long-established cycle

By Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus resignation will have cascading effects on political leadership in Canada. Trudeaus recent cabinet shakeup, spurred by Finance Minister Chrystia Freelands shock resignation in December,...

Firefighting planes are dumping ocean water on the Los Angeles fires − why using saltwater is typically a last resort

By Patrick Megonigal

Firefighters battling the deadly wildfires that raced through the Los Angeles area in January 2025 have been hampered by a limited supply of freshwater. So, when the winds are calm enough, skilled pilots flying planes...

Future of Russian gas looking bleak as Ukraine turns off taps and Europe eyes ending all imports

By Michael Bradshaw Et Al

Russias contract for the transit of its gas across Ukraine expired on December 31 last year and Kyiv refused to consider a new deal. Ukraines decision was supported by the European Commission, even though the lost imports...

One way Trump could help revive rural America’s economies

By Tim O'Brien Et Al

Picture yourself living the American Dream. You likely have more opportunity than your parents did. Through hard work, smart choices and perhaps some good luck along the way, you have financial stability and a great deal...

U.S. Condemns China's Dominance in Global Shipbuilding and Maritime Sectors

The U.S. Trade Representatives (USTR) office has deemed Chinas dominance in the shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics sectors as unreasonable and actionable under U.S. trade law. The findings stem from a Section 301 probe...

Biden Commutes 2,500 Sentences in Historic Clemency Action

11:40 AM| Law Politics

President Joe Biden, set to leave office next week, announced the commutation of sentences for nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. The action highlights his commitment to criminal justice...

India-U.S. Space and Defense Collaboration Opens New Opportunities for Indian Firms

10:25 AM| Politics

Seven Indian private companies, including KaleidEO, EtherealX, and Aadyah Space, have been selected for a pioneering India-U.S. space and defense collaboration program, unlocking access to the worlds largest defense and...

TikTok Ban Sparks Panic Among Advertisers as Deadline Looms

08:29 AM| Business

Advertisers dependent on TikTok scrambled this week to prepare for the potential U.S. ban of the app, set to take effect Sunday. The once-dismissed possibility now feels imminent, leaving many marketers in crisis mode....

TSMC Faces Challenges with U.S. Chip Plant Amid Compliance and Workforce Issues

08:25 AM| Business Law

TSMCs new Arizona plant faces delays in adopting advanced chip technology, as compliance hurdles, local regulations, and permitting complexities slow progress compared to Taiwan, CEO C.C. Wei said. Building the factory has...

China’s Growth Faces Structural Challenges Amid Doubts Over Data

07:53 AM| Investing Research & Analysis

China achieved its 5% growth target in 2024, but the uneven performance highlights deepening structural issues. Industrial output outpaced retail sales, while unemployment rose, underscoring reliance on exports and...

UK Markets Face Rising Volatility as Hedge Funds Target Pound and Gilts

07:28 AM| Business Investing Fund

UK investors are bracing for prolonged market turbulence as the pound, government bonds, and stocks suffer amid rising global borrowing costs. Once seen as recovering from post-Brexit stagnation, the UKs high-debt,...

Top Stories

LA fires: Fast wildfires are more destructive and harder to contain

By Virginia Iglesias - 05:19 AM| Insights & Views Nature

Investigators are trying to determine what caused several wind-driven wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes across the Los Angeles area in January 2025. Given the fires locations, and lack of lightning at the...

How religion’s brand became unpopular in Canada

By Galen Watts1 - 05:54 AM| Insights & Views Life

In 1961, less than one per cent of Canadians identified as having no religion. In 2021, 43 per cent of those between 15 and 35 considered themselves religiously unaffiliated. Organized religion and especially Christianity...

We’re getting closer to having practical quantum computers – here’s what they will be used for

By Domenico Vicinanza - 05:54 AM| Insights & Views Technology

In 1981, American physicist and Nobel Laureate, Richard Feynman, gave a lecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) near Boston, in which he outlined a revolutionary idea. Feynman suggested that the strange...

Could AI replace politicians? A philosopher maps out three possible futures

By Ted Lechterman - 05:55 AM| Insights & Views Technology

From business and public administration to daily life, artificial intelligence is reshaping the world and politics may be next. While the idea of AI politicians might make some people uneasy, survey results tell a...

The UK is surprisingly short of water – but more reservoirs aren’t the answer

By Kevin Grecksch Et Al - 05:57 AM| Insights & Views Nature

Despite its rainy reputation, the UKs public water supplies are often threatened by drought and water scarcity. Shouldnt the country do a better job of capturing and using all its rain? In 2023, the governments official...

From Myanmar to Gaza, Ukraine to Sudan – 2024 was another grim year, according to our mass atrocity index

By Collin J. Meisel - 05:58 AM| Economy Insights & Views Politics

With major conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia, 1 in 8 people worldwide were exposed to conflict in 2024 proving another fraught year in terms of human suffering on a mass scale. In fact, 111...

Econotimes Series

Economy

Rupee Marginally Weaker Amid Dollar Demand and RBI Intervention

The Indian rupee edged lower on Friday, trading at 86.5850 against the U.S. dollar by 09:55 a.m. IST, compared to its previous close of 86.55. The slight dip was driven by heightened dollar demand due to the maturity of...

China's Economic Resurgence: Strong Growth Signals a Bright Future Ahead

The Chinese economy had fared even better than its forecast of 5.0% at the same quarter last year with the report of an annualized increase of 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase came in contrast with previous...

Bull Market Optimism Persists Amid Historical Trends and Economic Growth

As the bull market enters its third year, the Sevens Report remains optimistic despite concerns over stretched valuations and geopolitical risks. The report cites factors such as robust economic growth, pro-growth policies...

Wall Street Slips as Apple Drags Tech Amid Mixed Economic Data

The SP 500 dipped Thursday as banking sector strength was overshadowed by a tech slump led by Apple. At market close, the Dow fell 0.2%, the SP 500 dropped 0.2%, and the NASDAQ slid 0.9%. Apple shares tumbled 4% after...

UK Economy Sees Marginal Growth Amid Tax Hikes and Business Caution

The UK economy showed a modest rebound in November, with GDP increasing by 0.1% from October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the first monthly growth since August, falling short of...

Politics

Orban Urges EU to End Sanctions Against Russia Amid Political Shift

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union to lift its sanctions on Russia, coinciding with the upcoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump, which he believes signals a new era. Speaking on...

Trump's Inauguration Ushers in a Transformative Era for Cryptocurrency

President-elect Donald Trumps administration, featuring several pro-crypto appointees, is expected to influence U.S. policy on emerging technologies. The crypto industry, which has long faced regulatory challenges, hopes...

South Korean Authorities Seek to Prolong President Yoon's Detention Amid Crisis

South Koreas anti-corruption agency is seeking to extend President Yoon Suk Yeols detention as he faces allegations of insurrection tied to his brief imposition of martial law on December 3. Yoon, the first sitting...

Democratic AGs Fight to Defend Biden Policies Amid Trump’s Return

Democratic attorneys general from over a dozen states, including California, New Jersey, and Michigan, have launched legal efforts to protect Biden administration policies on immigration, the environment, and gun control...

Denmark PM Responds to Trump’s Greenland Remarks Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for a meeting with the nations business leaders after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump suggested possible military or economic action, including tariffs, to gain...

Science

Double Moonshot: Japan’s ispace and Firefly Launch Lunar Missions

In a significant stride for lunar exploration, Japanese company ispace and U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace launched moon landers aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida. This rare double mission highlights the growing competition...

Bill Gates’ Shocking New Malaria Solution Unveiled as Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Turn Into Flying Vaccinators

In a groundbreaking and controversial move, researchers funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at Leiden University Medical Center have developed a revolutionary approach to combat malaria. The team has created...

Explosive CIA Whistleblower Claims Havana Syndrome Victims Face Cancer, Dementia, and Government Betrayal

A former CIA operative has come forward with alarming allegations, claiming that victims of the mysterious Havana Syndrome are now battling devastating health issues, including cancer, dementia, and Parkinsons disease. The...

FDA Approval of Opdivo Injection Sparks Hope for Cancer Patients with Revolutionary Treatment Update

In a significant advancement for cancer care, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an injectable version of Bristol Myers Squibbs blockbuster cancer drug Opdivo. Branded as Opdivo Qvantig, the new...

From dead galaxies to mysterious red dots, here’s what the James Webb telescope has found in just 3 years

On this day three years ago, we witnessed the nail-biting launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most powerful telescope humans have ever sent into space. It took 30 years to build, but in three...

Technology

SpaceX Starship Breaks Apart After Launch, Disrupting Air Traffic

A SpaceX Starship rocket broke apart minutes after launching from Texas, disrupting airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico due to falling debris. The rocket, carrying its first test payload of mock satellites, lost...

TSMC Faces Challenges in Bringing Advanced Chipmaking to U.S.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is encountering significant hurdles in its effort to bring advanced chip production to its new $65 billion Arizona facilities. CEO C.C. Wei highlighted that compliance issues,...

Nintendo Unveils Switch 2 Console, Launch Expected This Year

Nintendo has announced the release of the highly anticipated Switch 2 console, a successor to its popular hybrid home-portable gaming device. The Kyoto-based company revealed plans to provide more details, including...

SpaceX Starship Rocket Breaks Apart Mid-Flight, Disrupting Air Traffic

A SpaceX Starship rocket disintegrated minutes after launching from Texas on Thursday, disrupting Gulf of Mexico air traffic and dealing a setback to Elon Musks flagship space program. The upgraded Starship, carrying mock...

FBI Warns of Massive AT&T Breach Impacting Agents' Data

The FBI has raised concerns over a significant data breach of ATTs (NYSE:T) systems last year, potentially exposing months of agents call and text logs. The breach, disclosed by Bloomberg News, compromised FBI devices...
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