Last October, the art world was both shocked and amused by Banksy’s latest prank: destroying one of his own paintings live during an auction. Banksy is a mysterious British underground street artist who uses his works to convey social and political messages. His art, which appears unexpectedly on city walls around the world, is deep, humorous and controversial.
This year there’s a new subject in thousands of Australian schools: Mindfulness. The practice of this subject is simple but transformative, and science has proven the beneficial effects it has on the brain. Mindfulness in schools can help students by reducing their anxiety, improving their concentration and enhancing their positive qualities, such as creativity and empathy.
Black History Month, celebrated in February, promotes African-American heritage and history. Established more than 90 years ago, it has played an important role in the Civil Rights of the 1950s and ‘60s. Today its message is echoed in the Black Lives Matter movement, and this year in a Hollywood film: the superhero blockbuster Black Panther.
Twohundred years ago, the novel “Frankenstein” was first published. The story of the mad scientist and the monstrous creature he creates has become a classic for many reasons. “Frankenstein” is a revolutionary book that helped create two literary genres: horror and science fiction. But it also conveys a deep, moral message still relevant to modern readers.
Winston Churchill was an influential politician, but also a prolific writer with an interest in science. A lost and unpublished article by Churchill was recently found in a museum in Missouri. It’s titled “Are We Alone in the Universe?” and the timing of its discovery seemed perfect: astronomers might be on the verge of finally answering that question.
Just five days into 2017, London exceeded its annual air pollution limit. London’s polluted air is a centuries-old problem. A group of young activists believe that too little has been done for too long. With their campaign Clean Air Now they hope to raise awareness of the problem and to pressure politicians to improve, once and for all, London’s air quality.
Driverless lorries will be tested on UK roads this year, and in 2020 we will be able to buy a self-driving car. Technology is changing our lives, often in unpredictable ways. Some experts say that our inventions will destroy us, others that they will make us more than human. Read about the incredible scenarios awaiting us.