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Forests are often described as the lungs of the planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and helping regulate global temperatures. But they are increasingly under pressure from the very climate changes they help to mitigate. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and more frequent wildfires are damaging forest ecosystems across continents. In some regions, forests that once absorbed carbon are now releasing it back into the atmosphere. This creates a feedback loop: as forests weaken, their ability to stabilise the climate declines, potentially accelerating environmental change. Scientists warn that protecting forests is no longer only about conservation — it is about maintaining a critical…

Scientists have taken a major step in rewriting the rules of life by engineering bacteria to function with just 19 amino acids instead of the standard 20. All life on Earth depends on the same molecular system: cells use 20 amino acids to build proteins, which carry out essential biological functions. But researchers have now shown that one of these building blocks can be removed — without breaking a key cellular process. Experts say the achievement is comparable to rewriting part of a complex text while removing a commonly used letter, yet still keeping the meaning intact. Rethinking life’s “alphabet”…

Donald Trump has said the United States is “studying” whether to reduce its military presence in Germany, signalling a potential shift in transatlantic relations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a decision would be made “over the next short period of time” regarding the future of US troops stationed in the country. The US currently has more than 36,000 active-duty personnel based in Germany, making it one of its largest overseas deployments. Dispute with Germany escalates The announcement comes shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised Washington’s handling of negotiations with Iran. Speaking to students, Merz said the…

Sabastian Sawe has been welcomed home as a national hero after becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in official race conditions. The 31-year-old Kenyan stunned the world at the London Marathon, finishing in an extraordinary time of 1:59:30, breaking one of the most elusive barriers in athletics. Hero’s welcome in Nairobi Sawe returned to a jubilant reception at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, where crowds, dancers and musicians gathered to celebrate his achievement. His flight received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon landing, while his parents travelled six hours to greet him in…

King Charles III has received an unexpected wave of praise following his speech in the US Congress, with commentators across the political spectrum calling it one of the most successful moments of his reign. After months of negative headlines surrounding the royal family, the visit to the United States appeared risky from the outset. Tensions between Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside ongoing scrutiny of Prince Andrew, had cast doubt over whether the trip could succeed. Yet the King’s speech — originally expected to last around 20 minutes — drew 12 standing ovations, surprising even seasoned observers…

Much of the innovation economy focuses on land, but growing attention is turning toward the sea. Oceans play a central role in climate regulation, food systems, transport and renewable energy. As pressure on these systems increases, marine innovation is expanding rapidly. New technologies include offshore wind infrastructure, autonomous underwater vehicles, precision fisheries management and large-scale seaweed cultivation. Supporters say these developments could create jobs while helping decarbonise energy and improve food resilience. The concept is often described as the blue economy: economic activity linked to ocean resources used more sustainably. However, innovation at sea also brings risks. Poorly managed expansion…

Most materials are designed to remain stable. A growing new class of materials is designed to change. Smart materials can respond to heat, pressure, light, electricity or moisture by altering shape, colour, stiffness or conductivity. Instead of being passive components, they actively react to their environment. Examples include self-healing coatings, shape-memory alloys that return to a preset form, and windows that darken automatically in bright sunlight. These technologies could transform sectors from construction and healthcare to consumer electronics and transport. In medicine, responsive materials may help deliver drugs more precisely or create implants that adapt inside the body. In buildings,…

Success dominates modern culture. It is celebrated in business, education and social media, where achievement is often presented as the ultimate goal. Yet many thinkers argue that failure may be just as important, and sometimes more valuable. Failure can expose weak assumptions, reveal limits and force adaptation. In science, rejected hypotheses often lead to better questions. In business, unsuccessful attempts can refine future strategies. Even personal setbacks may build resilience, perspective and humility in ways uninterrupted success does not. This does not mean failure is pleasant or automatically beneficial. It can be costly, painful and shaped by unequal opportunities. But…

For much of modern history, privacy was understood as the right to keep personal matters hidden from others. In the digital age, that definition is no longer enough. People now share photographs, opinions, locations and habits across online platforms every day. The challenge is often not whether information exists, but who controls it, how it is used and how long it remains accessible. Companies and institutions can collect vast amounts of behavioural data through apps, devices and online services. In many cases, users consent through long terms and conditions they rarely read. This has shifted the debate. Privacy is increasingly…

Maps are often seen as neutral tools that describe geography. Historians increasingly argue they have also been instruments of power. From empire-building to taxation and warfare, maps helped states organise territory, claim resources and project authority. Borders drawn on paper could determine identities and conflicts for generations, even when they ignored local realities on the ground. During colonial expansion, mapping was closely tied to administration and control, turning landscapes into governable space. At the same time, maps also enabled exploration, trade and scientific understanding. Modern historians study cartography not only for what maps show, but for whose interests they served…