Killer whales face toxic death on massive scale

Editor's note

Toxic chemicals in the ocean are picked up by tiny plankton, which are then eaten by fish, and then bigger fish – and so on. As they work their way up the food chain, the concentration of these chemicals increases. Indeed, scientists have now discovered that killer whales have dangerous levels of toxic “PCBs” in their bodies and that this could wipe out entire populations. Crispin Halsall has tracked these chemicals for decades and explains how they created an orca crisis, and what we can do about it.

At an extraordinary US senate hearing yesterday, Christine Blasey Ford, a psychology professor, delivered a harrowing account of a sexual assault she claimed was carried out on her when she was a teenager by Brett M Kavanaugh, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee. He denied the allegation. For many in the US, it has cast minds back to the 1990s, and another supreme court nomination hearing. It involved an allegation of sexual harassment. Meg Bond of the University of Massachusetts Lowell considers what has changed in America since then – and what hasn’t.

Crash diets have had a lot of bad press, but a new study shows that they are not only highly effective but safe, too. Nerys Astbury argues that they should be available on the NHS.

In traumatic situations, such as prisoner of war camps, where there appears to be no escape and no hope, some people simply give up and die – despite being in good health. During the Korean War, medical officers termed this condition “give-up-itis”. For the first time, John Leach has mapped out the five distinct phases of this curious phenomenon.

Will de Freitas

Environment + Energy Editor

Politics + Society

Parents and children living in poverty have the same aspirations as those who are better off

Gill Main, University of Leeds

Poorer families don't have the resources to achieve the same as better off families – yet they're being blamed for their situation.
Advice is a lifeline for people claiming benefits – but support services are under threat from cutbacks

Michelle Farr, University of Bristol

Advice saves lives and provides vital support to people seeking benefits, but severe cuts mean vulnerable people are at risk.
‘Far right’ groups may be diverse – but here’s what they all have in common

Daphne Halikiopoulou, University of Reading

From welfare chauvinism to value-based nationalism – a breakdown of what constitutes a 'far right' group.

Science + Technology

Why atheists are not as rational as some like to think

Lois Lee, University of Kent

'I don't believe in God, I believe in science,' atheists often argue. But that doesn't mean their thinking is evidence-based.
World War II bombing raids in London and Berlin struck the edge of space, our new study reveals

Patrick Major, University of Reading; Chris Scott, University of Reading

Scientists studying the atmosphere found help in an unlikely place – the aerial bombing campaigns of World War Two.

Arts + Culture
Can art be knowledge? Clive Cazeaux, Cardiff Metropolitan University Research is changing how artists contribute to the world's knowledge base. Dwarfism: wrestling show will simply reinforce prejudice Kelly-Mae Saville, Aston University Dwarf wrestling is a spectacle that harks back to the Victorian age of 'freak shows'.

Education
Students studying overseas could be helping to make former Soviet countries more liberal Maia Chankseliani, University of Oxford Students from former Soviet countries who study in the US or Europe are more likely to develop liberal political views. Bert, Ernie and teaching young viewers about friendship Kerrie Lee, University of Hull Learning to form friendships is a key part of growing up.

Business + Economy
Chequers vs Canada-plus Brexit trade plans – seven key differences explained L Alan Winters, University of Sussex Brexiters are arguing for Theresa May to abandon her Chequers deal and push for a Canada-style trade agreement with the EU.