End-of-life planning can be hampered by misconceptions − but the process is easier than you might think

| Insights & Views

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people unexpectedly needed critical care such as ventilators but were unable to communicate their end-of-life wishes to their loved ones. Researchers like me, who study death and dying,...

5 years of COVID-19 underscore value of coordinated efforts to manage disease – while CDC, NIH and WHO face threats to their ability to respond to a crisis

| Insights & Views

Five years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic. The novel coronavirus, dubbed SARS-CoV-2, began as a cluster of severe pneumonia cases of unknown cause...

Toad patrol volunteers are ensuring frisky amphibians can cross the road to reach their mating grounds

| Insights & Views

During February and March, volunteers head out after dark with buckets and florescent jackets to stand on roads across the UK. These are the toad patrols, and they help an amphibian with love on its mind. Early spring is...

Inside the sex lives of chimpanzees: it’s about much more than just reproduction

| Insights & Views

Doug was the leader of his chimpanzee group. He had quickly gained a reputation from human observers as a fair and tolerant alpha male. One day he was separated from the group for some health checkups along with a young,...

Protecting artists’ rights: what responsible AI means for the creative industries

| Insights & Views

The global sprint to develop artificial intelligence technologies is intensifying, fuelled by substantial investments from both public and private sectors keen to maintain a competitive edge in the AI era. In the UK, the...

‘I’m utterly utterly despondent and disappointed.’ Bereaved families describe being failed by the inquest system

| Insights & Views

Shutterstock/Irin-k This story contains discussion of suicide. All names and some other details of people mentioned in this article have been changed to protect their privacy. Up to the age of 12 … she was bright,...

How climate change could be increasing your chance of catching a virus from sewage – new study

| Insights & Views

When we think of climate change, we may consider extreme weather events record-breaking heatwaves, heavy downpours and devastating floods. But have you considered that these changes could also increase your risk of...