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Sweeteners and the quest for the perfect alternative to sugar

Sweeteners and the quest for the perfect alternative to sugar

It’s the ultimate win-win that food scientists have been seeking for over a century. But replacing the sweet stuff turns out to be much harder than...

friday 6

The Conversation

Graham Finlayson

Donald Trump left Beijing empty‑handed – but avoided something worse

Donald Trump left Beijing empty‑handed – but avoided something worse

While the Trump-Xi summit led to few tangible returns, the two leaders did not clash and agreed to continue talking.

friday 7

The Conversation

Kerry Brown

Why has PCOS been given a new name?

Why has PCOS been given a new name?

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, will now be used to describe the condition that affects around one in eight women.

friday 8

The Conversation

Elisabet stener-victorin

Eaten, used as taxis and vomited up: how bees support other animals

Eaten, used as taxis and vomited up: how bees support other animals

Ahead of world bee day on May 20, the author looks at how other animals rely on bees for food and shelter and even transport.

friday 9

The Conversation

Alex Dittrich

Donald Trump leaves Beijing empty‑handed – but avoided something worse

Donald Trump leaves Beijing empty‑handed – but avoided something worse

While the Trump-Xi summit led to few tangible returns, the two leaders did not clash and agreed to continue talking.

friday 6

The Conversation

Kerry Brown

Sweet: the quest for a sugar alternative

Sweet: the quest for a sugar alternative

It’s the ultimate win-win that food scientists have been seeking for over a century. But replacing the sweet stuff turns out to be much harder than...

friday 10

The Conversation

Graham Finlayson

Floods and finance: why climate change will become a more pressing economic problem for UK households

Floods and finance: why climate change will become a more pressing economic problem for UK households

Houses at risk can quickly lose value.

friday 10

The Conversation

Narmin Nahidi

The puppet shows bringing storytelling and solace to bomb shelters in Ukraine

The puppet shows bringing storytelling and solace to bomb shelters in Ukraine

In Ukraine puppet shows have become tools of resistance, support and relief for a country at war.

friday 8

The Conversation

Beth Timmins

From landslide to leadership crisis: where did it all go wrong for Keir Starmer?

From landslide to leadership crisis: where did it all go wrong for Keir Starmer?

Less than two years after entering Downing Street, the rivals are circling.

friday 3

The Conversation

Ben Worthy

How studying friendship has changed the way I understand my own loneliness

How studying friendship has changed the way I understand my own loneliness

‘It dawned on me that I felt lonely’: how my research into friendship gave me a new perspective on my social life.

friday 1

The Conversation

Marie-elisabeth lei pihl

The conspiracy theorists who feel vindicated by the Epstein files

The conspiracy theorists who feel vindicated by the Epstein files

Sociologist Art Jipson talks to The Conversation Weekly podcast about how clamouring for the release of the Epstein files grew on fringe spaces of the...

friday 8

The Conversation

Gemma Ware

Paula Rego’s Story Line – an exhibition that invites exploration of the ambiguous narratives the Portuguese artist drew

Paula Rego’s Story Line – an exhibition that invites exploration of the ambiguous narratives the Portuguese artist drew

The drawings resist being pegged down by simple interpretations.

friday 3

The Conversation

Alexandra lourenço dias

Elizabeth I refused to go to bed before she died – a stubborn final act that reflected her reign

Elizabeth I refused to go to bed before she died – a stubborn final act that reflected her reign

Ellizabeth I’s refusal to go to bed was a deliberate final act, shaped by a lifetime of political strategy, emotional restraint and unresolved...

friday 4

The Conversation

Lynsey cowlishaw

How reindeer herds, nature and Sámi culture can thrive when forests are restored across northern Europe

How reindeer herds, nature and Sámi culture can thrive when forests are restored across northern Europe

Reindeer herding and forest management can be better integrated to benefit nature restoration, conservation and commercial wood production.

friday 3

The Conversation

David harnesk

Energy gels: here’s what runners need to know

Energy gels: here’s what runners need to know

Gels can provide a quick source of energy – but they can also come with downsides.

friday 4

The Conversation

Alan ruddock

My unsung hero of science: Carolyn Wood Sherif, pioneer of feminist psychology who foresaw the risks of scientific bias

My unsung hero of science: Carolyn Wood Sherif, pioneer of feminist psychology who foresaw the risks of scientific bias

In 1979, Wood Sherif wrote my favourite psychological paper of all time.

friday 4

The Conversation

Madeleine pownall

Xi‑Trump summit: reset for US‑Chinese relations but tension over Taiwan remains

Xi‑Trump summit: reset for US‑Chinese relations but tension over Taiwan remains

The Chinese president warned of possible conflict if the issue of Taiwan is ‘handled poorly’.

friday 10

The Conversation

Jonathan Este

Who are the main contenders to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister?

Who are the main contenders to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister?

Streeting accused Starmer of creating a ‘vacuum’ in the Labour party where vision is needed.

14.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Charles lees

This year’s Venice Biennale marks a major shift in European cultural politics

This year’s Venice Biennale marks a major shift in European cultural politics

‘This biennale seems cursed’, texted my friend. Despite feeling hypocritical about the environmental burden, I booked a flight to Venice.

14.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Clare Carolin

Heatwaves are now everyday disasters – governments need to do more to protect people

Heatwaves are now everyday disasters – governments need to do more to protect people

Governments need to open cool buildings in heatwaves, as part of a wider set of additional responses, research shows.

14.05.2026 5

The Conversation

Shiv yucel

Eurovision Song Contest: what the science of statistics reveals about an infamous voting scandal

Eurovision Song Contest: what the science of statistics reveals about an infamous voting scandal

In 2022, six jury scores from the second semi-final were nullified on grounds of collusion.

14.05.2026 7

The Conversation

Robin hankin

A new voting system meant the Welsh election couldn’t have been further from a two‑horse race ‑ so why was it portrayed as one?

A new voting system meant the Welsh election couldn’t have been further from a two‑horse race ‑ so why was it portrayed as one?

Polls and projections increasingly framed the Senedd election as a contest between two parties.

14.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Stephen Cushion

The Music Is Black: A British Story – it’s little wonder this emotional exhibition took over four years to complete

The Music Is Black: A British Story – it’s little wonder this emotional exhibition took over four years to complete

This impressive installation is a showcase of the roots and routes within the development of Black British music and is a must-see for all lovers of...

14.05.2026 9

The Conversation

Kenny Monrose

Why Putin will have been watching the Trump‑Xi summit nervously

Why Putin will have been watching the Trump‑Xi summit nervously

Vladimir Putin will see his relevance and leverage diminished by more stable US-China relations.

14.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Stefan Wolff

Depressed mice successfully treated with smart contact lenses that zap their brains – new study

Depressed mice successfully treated with smart contact lenses that zap their brains – new study

Contact lenses that treat depression? The idea is tantalising, but the science is still in its earliest stages.

14.05.2026 4

The Conversation

Barbara Pierscionek

Victims can’t access their court transcripts because they’re too expensive – the government says AI might be the answer

Victims can’t access their court transcripts because they’re too expensive – the government says AI might be the answer

Victims have had to pay thousands of pounds for transcriptions of their court cases.

14.05.2026 3

The Conversation

Brian Thornton

Trump‑XI summit: in a high‑stakes meeting the two leaders can’t afford to misread each other

Trump‑XI summit: in a high‑stakes meeting the two leaders can’t afford to misread each other

Taiwan looms as an area for possible misunderstanding and potential conflict.

14.05.2026 2

The Conversation

Nicholas John Wheeler

The Humber region and its cities are a hub for carbon removal – here’s why

The Humber region and its cities are a hub for carbon removal – here’s why

The Humber’s high output of clean energy could power direct air capture units and provide fossil-free CO₂.

14.05.2026 2

The Conversation

Aliyu ibrahim nagidi

Why a new Plaid Cymru government in Cardiff may pose a fresh challenge for Westminster

Why a new Plaid Cymru government in Cardiff may pose a fresh challenge for Westminster

Plaid Cymru ’s historic victory opens a new chapter in Welsh politics, and a potential constitutional test for Westminster.

14.05.2026 1

The Conversation

Anwen Elias

How the world can avoid millions going hungry when supply chains collapse

How the world can avoid millions going hungry when supply chains collapse

The world is too dependent on the Gulf states for energy and fertiliser.

14.05.2026 1

The Conversation

Jasper Verschuur

Westlife at 25: how the boyband emerged during Ireland’s economic boom

Westlife at 25: how the boyband emerged during Ireland’s economic boom

In the early 2000s, Ireland was a newly rich country that wanted to be more international looking. Westlife created un-Irish pop for an international...

14.05.2026 2

The Conversation

Pat Collins

Pregnancy is a chance to reshape family eating habits before the baby arrives

Pregnancy is a chance to reshape family eating habits before the baby arrives

The second trimester may be a useful time to plan simple meals, snacks and food routines for early parenthood.

14.05.2026 2

The Conversation

Netalie shloim

How severe has the economic impact of the Iran war been for the Gulf states?

How severe has the economic impact of the Iran war been for the Gulf states?

The Iran war has hurt Gulf economies, but the effects have differed across the region.

14.05.2026 2

The Conversation

Emilie Rutledge

State opening of parliament 2026: experts on plans for cost of living, EU ties, tourist tax and more

State opening of parliament 2026: experts on plans for cost of living, EU ties, tourist tax and more

The government has laid out its plans for the next parliamentary session.

13.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Simon Usherwood

Trump‑XI summit: US president says he will discuss arms sales to Taiwan – breaking decades of US policy

Trump‑XI summit: US president says he will discuss arms sales to Taiwan – breaking decades of US policy

US policy towards Taiwan has always been complex and nuanced. All that may now change.

13.05.2026 9

The Conversation

Andrew Gawthorpe

From ‘French leave’ to ‘Irish goodbyes’: why you may be right to exit a party without saying goodbye

From ‘French leave’ to ‘Irish goodbyes’: why you may be right to exit a party without saying goodbye

Sneaking out of a party without saying goodbye might look rude, but for some people, it’s the difference between connection and burnout.

13.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Trudy Meehan

Why the Caspian Sea has become so important in both the Ukraine and Iran wars

Why the Caspian Sea has become so important in both the Ukraine and Iran wars

The Caspian Sea has enabled Iran and Russia to supply each other with weapons and trade goods despite western sanctions.

13.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Basil Germond

Nasa bets big on nuclear engines to cut journey times to Mars

Nasa bets big on nuclear engines to cut journey times to Mars

The technology could make it easier to send both humans and cargo to the red planet.

13.05.2026 8

The Conversation

Domenico Vicinanza

King’s speech: much‑needed water industry reforms do not go far enough

King’s speech: much‑needed water industry reforms do not go far enough

The government promises joined‑up and long‑term regional planning for water. But some pressing challenges appear to receive surprisingly little...

13.05.2026 9

The Conversation

Alex Ford

What a list of Black Death survivors reveals about the way people recovered from plague

What a list of Black Death survivors reveals about the way people recovered from plague

Despite the deadliness of the disease, it was possible to recover from plague, and medieval chroniclers mention the possibility – however unlikely...

13.05.2026 4

The Conversation

Alex Brown

Eric Morecambe at 100: the beloved British comedian with an anarchic northern spirit

Eric Morecambe at 100: the beloved British comedian with an anarchic northern spirit

Morecambe and Wise still have a place in the hearts of the British public, and Eric was instrumental in ensuring their enduring popularity.

13.05.2026 2

The Conversation

Glyn white

Cannabis: it’s medicine if you’re rich enough – a crime if you’re not

Cannabis: it’s medicine if you’re rich enough – a crime if you’re not

The UK recognises cannabis as medicine, but only the wealthy can access it legally.

13.05.2026 3

The Conversation

Elizabeth peatfield

Other countries can learn from the UK’s successful shift to fortnightly bin collections

Other countries can learn from the UK’s successful shift to fortnightly bin collections

Fortnightly bin collections can prompt more recycling, research shows.

13.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Ian Williams

The Christophers explores the world of art fakes, but leaves its hardest questions unresolved

The Christophers explores the world of art fakes, but leaves its hardest questions unresolved

Steven Soderbergh’s new film raises important questions about authenticity, creative ownership and racism in the art world.

13.05.2026 9

The Conversation

Edward White

After a complete collapse, where does Welsh Labour go from here?

After a complete collapse, where does Welsh Labour go from here?

After its worst defeat in modern history, Welsh Labour faces a battle to redefine its purpose, identity and future.

13.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Nye Davies

From AirTags to AI nudification: the growing toolkit of technology‑facilitated abuse

From AirTags to AI nudification: the growing toolkit of technology‑facilitated abuse

Government and tech firms need to step up.

13.05.2026 4

The Conversation

Jason r.c. nurse

Europe is rearming itself without addressing the political consequences

Europe is rearming itself without addressing the political consequences

Europe’s security turn remains strikingly ad hoc, despite its massive increase in defence spending.

13.05.2026 7

The Conversation

Richard Youngs

Are you exercising at the wrong time? How your body clock can affect your workouts

Are you exercising at the wrong time? How your body clock can affect your workouts

Aligning your workouts to your unique ‘chronotype’ may boost the benefits you see.

12.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Paul Hough

AI doesn’t create bias, it inherits it – how do we ensure fairness when it comes to automated decisions?

AI doesn’t create bias, it inherits it – how do we ensure fairness when it comes to automated decisions?

Biases contained within historical datasets makes addressing what underpins automated decisions difficult – defining what is ‘fair’ is key.

12.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Michael mayowa farayola

Vitamin B12: the essential nutrient with a complicated cancer link

Vitamin B12: the essential nutrient with a complicated cancer link

B12 is vital for red blood cells, nerves and DNA, but unexplained high levels may point to an underlying health problem.

12.05.2026 10

The Conversation

Ahmed Elbediwy