A heatwave lasting four months, followed by water shortages and crop failures. This is England in the 13th century, not the 21st. In this article, Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies says we should heed the lessons of the past when it comes to dealing with climate extremes.

Could a hug or a kiss before a possible conflict keep tension at bay? Researchers Zanna Clay and Jake Brooker spent several months filming bonobos and chimpanzees, watching what happens in the five minutes before a competitive event.

In this article, Dr Marzieh Kouhi-Esfahani, from our School of Government and International Affairs, examines how the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei became a significant political and diplomatic event, reflecting Iran's domestic priorities and international positioning.

Memories of pandemics are often contentious. They can be disputed, uncomfortable and politically charged. Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies examines how the Black Death was chronicled in medieval times and explores how this history can inform commemorations of modern pandemics.

Dr Stephen Crossley from our Department of Sociology explores why UK politicians appear so reluctant to talk about sportswashing.

It’s disappointing that the UK’s new defence investment plan is unclear on its long-term plan for space, write Dr Bleddyn Bowen, in our School of Government and International Affairs/Durham University Space Research Centre, and Postgraduate Researcher Scott Mackie.

Dr Alexandra Verini from our Department of Theology and Religion explores how pioneering Catholic nuns transformed education for poor girls in 19th Century Britain. 

Dr Liam Temple from our Department of Theology and Religion looks at why Pope Leo's excommunication of a conservative Catholic rebel group matters, and how this is the latest development in a long-running saga. 

The dislike shown by some towards Keir Starmer was only partially about his performance as prime minister and as much to do with the “politics of feeling” in today’s political climate, according to Professor Ben Anderson, in our Department of Geography.

Professor Sian Halcrow and Professor Rebecca Gowland of our Department of Archaeology explore the often troubling history of infant remains displayed in museums or used as teaching aids. Please be aware that this article includes references to infant death and institutional abuse.