How we think about our past experiences affects how we can help others

Jul 19, 2017 11:23 am UTC| Insights & Views Life

Have you ever told a friend experiencing a troubling situation I know exactly how you feel? This empathic response is usually driven by a connection weve made with our own similar experiences. Having been there, we...

Why do human beings speak so many languages?

Jul 18, 2017 14:15 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life

The thatched roof held back the suns rays, but it could not keep the tropical heat at bay. As everyone at the research workshop headed outside for a break, small groups splintered off to gather in the shade of coconut...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Death toll mounts in Rio de Janeiro as police lose control of the city -- and of themselves

Jul 18, 2017 13:53 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy Life

On June 30, a baby was shot in his mothers belly in Rio de Janeiro. After the rifle fire hit 29-year-old Claudinéia in the hip in the Favela do Lixão neighbourhood, her son Arthur was delivered via emergency...

Why upward social mobility means some people move downwards

Jul 18, 2017 13:00 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life

A damning report into social mobility has concluded that successive UK governments have failed to tackle the issue for the past 20 years. But the analysis by the Social Mobility Commission (SMC) also fails on this front....

A spate of acid attacks in London is part of an international problem

Jul 18, 2017 12:50 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life

A series of five acid attacks in one night in London has created a moment for the British government to take a more public stance on this growing problem. A teenager has been charged with 15 offences relating to the...

Low-energy homes don't just save money, they improve lives

Jul 18, 2017 12:47 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life

Household energy use is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. International policy is firmly moving towards technology-rich, low- and near-zero-energy homes. That is, buildings designed to reduce the need...

The strange links between intelligence and prejudice

Jul 18, 2017 12:18 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life

Human judgement often becomes less accurate when we train it on ourselves. Self appraisals commonly flatter our strengths and minimise our weaknesses. The average man overstates his height by 1.2cm and the average woman...