Will multinational companies flock to Syria? Maybe, if foreign aid arrives first
hanohiki / Shutterstock Syrias new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, recently appeared at the World Economic Forums annual conference in the Swiss resort of Davos. He announced that his country is open for business and...
Representation gaps and the rise of populism
Shutterstock/Alejo Bernal The rise of rightwing populists continues across the west, leaving many wondering how mainstream parties can respond. Part of the picture is the failure of political parties to meet voters views...

How The Sims’ endless customisation fostered one of gaming’s most diverse player communities
Katy Perry is in a recording booth. She turns to the camera, smiles and begins to sing: Badipsa frooby noop. As if to confirm that we didnt mishear her, she repeats Badipsa frooby noop and gives the camera a thumbs up. The...
How we’re recovering priceless audio and lost languages from old decaying tapes
Nick Thieberger Remember cassettes? If youre old enough, you might remember dropping one into a player, only to have it screech at you when you pressed play. Weve fixed that problem. But why would we bother? Before the...
Banksia coccinea, southwest Western Australia. Anjahennern/Shutterstock I like to read poetry on long flights. I think its the climbing motion of the plane against the constant roar of the engine that creates a space for...
Pregnant women can now get a free RSV shot. What other vaccines do you need when you’re expecting?
voronaman/Shutterstock From today, February 3, pregnant women in Australia will be eligible for a free RSV vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. This vaccine is designed to protect young infants from severe RSV...