China's belt-and-road push could harm nature and Indigenous people

More companies pledge ‘net-zero’ emissions to fight climate change, but what does that really mean?

Amrou Awaysheh, Indiana University

A growing number of countries and companies have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. But there’s a catch – they still plan to keep emitting greenhouse gases.

Artificial intelligence can help highway departments find bats roosting under bridges

Tianshu Li, University of Virginia

Bats roost under bridges and culverts across North America, so highway departments have to check for them before repairing bridges. A new AI tool makes those inspections faster and more accurate.

Afghanistan’s war rug industry distorts the reality of everyday trauma

Jamal J. Elias, University of Pennsylvania

War rugs are more reflections of market forces than memorials to suffering.

Canada’s status quo election: Trudeau returned with another minority, faces uncertain future

Kimberly Speers, University of Victoria

Justin Trudeau has been elected Canadian prime minister for the third time. But he failed to win the majority he wanted.

Latest parliamentary win by Putin’s United Russia has been years in the manufacturing

Regina Smyth, Indiana University

Russia’s Central Election Commission announced results that give a strong majority to United Russia. It was met with skepticism, if little surprise.

Global shortage of shipping containers highlights their importance in getting goods to Amazon warehouses, store shelves and your door in time for Christmas

Anna Nagurney, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Before the container was standardized, loading and unloading goods was very labor-intensive, inefficient and costly.

A pediatrician explains a spike in ear infections this summer after COVID-19 restrictions lifted

Abigail Kumral, University of Virginia

With mask-wearing and kids out of school last winter, viral upper respiratory infections decreased. However, clinicians have seen a return of respiratory viruses this summer and ear infections are up too.

You may soon be able to buy hearing aids over the counter at your local pharmacy

Lucas Berenbrok, University of Pittsburgh; Elaine Mormer, University of Pittsburgh

Only 3.7% of people in the U.S. with hearing difficulty own hearing aids. Thanks to a federal law in progress of being implemented, OTC hearing aids may help bridge the gap.

More people are eating bugs – but is it ethical to farm insects for food?

Matan Shelomi, National Taiwan University

Insect farming is growing in popularity as an alternative to traditional livestock and feed production. A scholar evaluates what that means in terms of trillions of insect lives.

Guinea coup has left west Africa’s regional body with limited options. But there are some

Joseph Siegle, Africa Center for Strategic Studies; Daniel Eizenga, Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Any recognition of the coup could incentivise future ones. Yet Alpha Condé can’t simply be restored to office, sweeping under the carpet the dubious basis on which he has retained power.

How do nuclear-powered submarines work? A nuclear scientist explains

AJ Mitchell, Australian National University

Nuclear submarines are powered by a miniature onboard fission reactor. They can go for decades without refuelling, making them faster, stealthier and much more expensive than conventional submarines.

Wales is having a rethink about its place in the UK – could it lead the way for everyone else?

Anwen Elias, Aberystwyth University; Matt Wall, Swansea University

A government consultation is seeking views on reforming the union, rather than leaving it.

Today’s graphic

From the story, A direct recommendation from a doctor may be the final push someone needs to get vaccinated