Why children need to play with their friends as soon as they can

gpointstudio/Shutterstock Approximately 1.4 billion children worldwide are currently living under partial or full lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the UK, and in many other countries across the world, it has been six weeks or longer since children last played, in person, with a friend. Initial dataContinue Reading

Voice of America struggle for independence highlights issue of state role in government-backed media

Michael Pack at his confirmation hearing in Washington, September 2019. VOA Journalists, scholars, media freedom organisations and even senior Republicans have been alarmed by the appointment of Donald Trump’s nominee, Michael Pack, as chief executive of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees state-funded international media. Pack hasContinue Reading

What is methamphetamine or 'crystal meth'?

Inside an illicit meth lab. Darwin Brandis/Shutterstock Ever been in love? You’ll know the rush. That’s chemistry at work. Our brain produces molecules such as 2-phenylethylamine, the mood enhancer also found in chocolate. But eating chocolate won’t make you fall in love – enzymes in your liver break it downContinue Reading