Monthly Archives: October 2024

A new ‘race science’ network is linked to a history of eugenics that never fully left academia

A new ‘race science’ network is linked to a history of eugenics that never fully left academia

The Guardian and anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate have revealed the existence of a new network of far-right intellectuals and activists in an undercover investigation. Called the Human Diversity Foundation (HDF), this group advocates scientific racism and eugenics. Although it presents itself as having a scientific purpose, some of its figureheads have political ambitions in Germany and elsewhere. Research shows […] … learn more→

Philosophy at school gives young people the tools to discuss difficult topics such as the Israel-Gaza war

Philosophy at school gives young people the tools to discuss difficult topics such as the Israel-Gaza war

The first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the beginning of conflict in Gaza left UK schools with a dilemma: how to mark the event. It has affected many around the world, including school children and their families in the UK. Earlier in 2024, government adviser on social cohesion, Sara Khan, suggested that schools were […] … learn more→

Human error is the weakest link in the cyber security chain. Here are 3 ways to fix it

Human error is the weakest link in the cyber security chain. Here are 3 ways to fix it

Despite huge advances in cyber security, one weakness continues to overshadow all others: human error. Research has consistently shown human error is responsible for an overwhelming majority of successful cyber attacks. A recent report puts the figure at 68%. No matter how advanced our technological defences become, the human element is likely to remain the weakest link in […] … learn more→

Humanising AI could lead us to dehumanise ourselves

Humanising AI could lead us to dehumanise ourselves

Irish writer John Connolly once said: The nature of humanity, its essence, is to feel another’s pain as one’s own, and to act to take that pain away. For most of our history, we believed empathy was a uniquely human trait – a special ability that set us apart from machines and other animals. But this […] … learn more→

What does the law say about emotional education in schools?

What does the law say about emotional education in schools?

Emotions have become an essential element of our daily lives. Taking them into account and knowing them has made us change our way of understanding life and ourselves: from how we learn to how we interact with others. As different areas of research include them in their studies ( politics , economics , health ), educational legislation has done the same, […] … learn more→

Why do some schools still force girls to wear skirts or dresses?

Why do some schools still force girls to wear skirts or dresses?

A Queensland tribunal has ruled it is not discriminatory for a school to require girls to wear a skirt at formal events. The private high school said girls needed to wear skirts for occasions including excursions, ceremonies and class photographs. A female student had complained to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal about different treatment for boys and girls. […] … learn more→

Prison education is vital – but it is neglected and failing

Prison education is vital – but it is neglected and failing

The quality of education in young offender institutions (YOIs) in England has seriously declined, according to a recent report from Ofsted and the prisons inspectorate. The report into these institutions, whose offenders are aged 15 to 18, referred to “steadily declining educational opportunities”. Among the failings listed were a lack of time allocated to education, lack of […] … learn more→

The ‘bully cats’ bred to resemble American bully dogs and how fashion is creating mutant pet breeds

The ‘bully cats’ bred to resemble American bully dogs and how fashion is creating mutant pet breeds

Pedigree cat breeding has long had its controversies but a new trend for cats bred to look like American bully XL dogs could be one of the most worrying fads yet. So-called “bully cats” originated in the US and are a result of mutant breeding. Unlike pedigree breeding, which focuses on keeping animals purebred, mutant breeding involves intentionally combining genetic […] … learn more→

Research shows impact of 'Google Translate' on students' language skills

Research shows impact of ‘Google Translate’ on students’ language skills

In today’s classrooms, tools such as machine translation ( MT) technology have become a key resource for language learners. They help students translate words or texts or complete writing assignments quickly and easily. While these tools are helpful, it is important to understand how automatic translation technology is used and what impact it can have on learning, especially for […] … learn more→