Growing a mix of plants in fields can save farmers money and help the environment – new research
goodluz/ShutterstockFarmers have increasingly sown a single type of grass in their fields over the past 100 years, and then added che
UK
Why big shops are trying to sell you a glamorous Christmas
In the dark months of winter, the warm glow of Christmas fairy lights and flickering candles brings some welcome atmospheric respite. And that atmosphere is something many retailers try to capture as they tempt shoppers with their festive marketing campaigns.
The John Lewis Christmas advert for example, has become a seasonal staple, while rival Marks and Spencer has found success with its “Magic and Sparkle” campaign, which plays on the company’s brand name.
Driverless taxis are heading to the UK, but it’s still not clear who to blame when something goes wrong
Driverless in San Francisco. Tada Images/ShutterstockDriverless taxis are a bit like buses. You wait ages for one, and then a fleet arrives all at once. The US firms Waymo and Uber have both said their vehicles will be on the streets of London in 2026.
Farmers and supermarkets worry that extreme weather will stop food getting to consumers – here’s what needs to change
www.hollandfoto.net/ShutterstockStorm Amy with its gusts of nearly 100mph brought heavy rain, fallen trees, and transport disr
‘Mindful gifting’ could be the kindest thing you do for yourself and others this Christmas
Mr. SEPTEMBER/ShutterstockThis year’s Christmas advert from UK department store John Lewis is notable for its emotional impact and captivating storytelling. In it, a middle-aged former raver is gifted a vintage vinyl record by his son. The focus is on this fairly modest gift, which quietly speaks a language of love amid the noise and excess of the festivities.
The metaverse is ushering in a new era of behind-the-scenes exploitation
Pools for the extraction of lithium in Salinas Grandes, Jujuy, Argentina Brester IrinaFrom ancient slavery to the factory floor, progress has often relied on the exploitation of human beings. We might like to believe those days are well behind us. But in the digital age, AI and the metaverse risk repeating that pattern with new forms of invisible labour and inequality.
How ‘everyday AI’ encourages overconsumption
Foto Eak/ShutterstockFrom automatically generated overviews to chatbots in spreadsheets, so-called artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into our watches, phones, home assistants and other smart devices.
Struggling to find a job? Three reasons why the UK labour market is stuck right now
Irene Miller/ShutterstokBritain’s jobs market appears to have entered a “low-hire, low-fire” freeze, creating stagnation that could affect everyone from school-leavers to professionals. But unlike recessions characterised by mass layoffs, this scenario represents a market in which workers cling to their jobs while newcomers find the door shut.
It’s so hard to resist overspending at Christmas – here’s how to reinforce your willpower
Eterna Images/ShutterstockWe often throw caution to the cold, dark wind of December when it comes to spending. The cost-of-living crisis may slip our minds amid the razzle-dazzle of Christmas. We just want a moment to enjoy ourselves, to forget about the winter gloom. It’s natural for us to behave this way. Our brains are wired for it.
Why OpenAI is a prime example of the ethical limits of capitalism
izzuanroslan/ShutterstockAs OpenAI marks its tenth birthday in December 2025, it can celebrate becoming one of the world’s leading companies, worth perhaps as much as US$1 trillion (£750 billion).
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