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Editor's note
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What’s the most annoying question you could ask a twin? Find out in the latest episode of our podcast The Anthill, which digs into research around twins – from what it’s like to be one, how it differs to other sibling relationships (if at all) and why twins play a crucial role in scientific research on the nature vs nuture debate. And it also features two Conversation editors in conversation with their own twin siblings.
Baobabs are one of the Earth’s most majestic trees. And African baobabs are known to live for up to 2,500 years. Sadly, researchers recently found some of these ancient giants had died. Ecologist Aida Cuní Sanchez has been studying these trees and explains just how important they are and explores how it might be possible to cultivate them.
This month marks the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks. It’s remembered as a journey of arrival from the Caribbean. But forgotten BBC archive material, stumbled upon by James Procter, shows that the ship was on its return journey – it had been taking home West Indian World War II veterans.
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Gemma Ware
Society Editor
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Top stories
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Double trouble?
shutterstock.com
Laura Hood, The Conversation; Annabel Bligh, The Conversation; Gemma Ware, The Conversation
A podcast on twins, including why stereotypes about their relationship are so damaging, and why they are so useful to scientists.
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An ancient giant.
Shutterstock
Aida Cuní Sanchez, University of York
Despite them living for up to 2,500 years, researchers have discovered several baobab trees in Africa have died. Aida Cuni Sanchez on why these trees have a special place in our world.
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The arrival of the Empire Windrush – back in Britain.
PA Wire
James Procter, Newcastle University
When the Empire Windrush arrived in Tilbury Docks 70 years ago, it was on a return journey – having taken West Indian war veterans back to the Caribbean.
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Politics + Society
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Olu Jenzen, University of Brighton
Activism increasingly relies on strong visuals that can be shared online, and – somewhat surprisingly in a digital world – physical billboards still play an important role.
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Alice Panepinto, Queen's University Belfast
The world needs to put urgent pressure on Israel – and make the case to save a community.
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Gwen Burnyeat, UCL
The Colombian government has learned the hard way that simply explaining a complex deal to people won't win them over.
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Laura Prazeres, University of Dundee
The transition into adulthood is challenging for young refugees: they face great adversity while trying to finishing school, find work and enter marriage.
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Nick McKerrell, Glasgow Caledonian University
There could be longer-term constitutional effects now Westminster has ignored Scotland's rejection of the Brexit Bill.
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Arts + Culture
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David Hewitt, University of Leeds
Losing to Sunderland in 1934 forced Spanish writers and commentators to look beyond football for answers.
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Nick Barnett, Swansea University
Sporting diplomacy could warm Britain's relations with Russia during the World Cup once more.
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Xavier Aldana Reyes, Manchester Metropolitan University
Horror loves evil twins and doubles because of concepts like the uncanny and otherness. They also provide memorable images for movie makers.
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Health + Medicine
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Ian Hamilton, University of York; Mark Monaghan, Loughborough University
Cannabis users seeking treatment in the UK is rising, especially among women and older smokers. But treatment services are sorely lacking.
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Angela Smith, Swansea University; Julia Parkhouse, Swansea University
When and how teenage girls can consent to contraceptive implants.
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Science + Technology
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Alice M Gregory, Goldsmiths, University of London
Our genes are important when it comes to aptitude for sleeping soundly.
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Featured events
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G11, Henley Business School, Whiteknights campus, University of Reading, Reading, Reading, RG6 6AH, United Kingdom — University of Reading
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Venues across the city of York, York, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom — University of York
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University Place, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom — University of Manchester
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The National Graphene Institute, Booth Street East, Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom — University of Manchester
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