It’s hard not to be gripped by the ongoing coronavirus scare which is generating ever-more apocalyptic headlines as new infected patients crop up daily in different parts of what is beginning to seem an increasingly small world. And “scare” is the right word, writes journalism professor Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, who has spent years researching media coverage of disasters and the fear it can provoke.

While a healthy dose of fear can make us all more vigilant, it’s important that the disproportionate use of associated language such as “killer virus” does not lead to general panic which would be decidedly unhelpful.

Not least for business in China and elsewhere, where sentiment, as well as the very real constraints imposed by quarantines and supply-chain disruption, could take a serious toll on the global economy.

We also look at why Arrokoth, which – at 6.6 billion kilometres from the Sun – is the most distant object ever to be visited by a spacecraft, looks to astronomers like a snowman or a peanut. Meanwhile the dangerous ongoing conflict in Kashmir remains in deadlock – here’s why Donald Trump’s offer of mediation is a good idea.

And film fans can join us for an exclusive screening for Conversation readers of the upcoming blockbuster Dark Waters, starring Mark Ruffalo. The film tells the true story of Rob Bilott, a US corporate lawyer who risks his career to bring justice to a community dangerously exposed to deadly chemicals for decades. The screening will be held in London on the evening of Tuesday February 25th, followed by a Q&A with chemist Mark Lorch, global systems expert James Dyke, science policy adviser Melanie Smallman, and someone from the environmental pollution charity Fidra. Find out how you can get your hands on a pair of tickets here.

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