Yayoi Kusama, creator of polka-dot pumpkins and Infinity Rooms, dies at 97
Yayoi Kusama, known for polka-dot pumpkins and Infinity Rooms, has died at 97. Her immersive, repetitive works were shown worldwide.
Environment
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Palestinian students and staff sue Columbia University alleging discrimination
A group of Palestinian students and staff filed a lawsuit in New York accusing Columbia University of failing to protect them from harassment and subjecting them to unfair disciplinary hearings since late 2023.
Sitting up straight may improve your mood and decision-making
A person’s posture may subtly affect both emotional state and decision-making, according to new research from McGill University. In a laboratory study, participants who sat upright reported more positive feelings and performed better during a task involving risk and reward than participants who slouched or sat in the control condition. The effects were relatively small…
Drought declared across whole of Wales as conditions 'deteriorate'
A drought has been extended across the whole of Wales with the country on course for its driest July on record in 190 years. Declaring the drought, the country’s environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said sustained high temperatures were causing the condition of the natural environment to “deteriorate”. The decision has been made in…
How to do neon festival make-up without harming your skin
How to get the look: Fairycore-inspired make-up is in, which means sparkles, face gems and glitter. Don’t go for subtle, says Skinner. “The ‘no make-up look’ is gone. Clean girl is out!” There’s a child-like quality to festival make-up, he says, so embrace it – think playful colour and crystals. To stand out, he suggests…
Conservation group tackling 'most dangerous plant'
Giant hogweed is a toxic plant. The plant itself originates from Asia. The invasive plant has been present in Britain and Ireland since the early 19th Century. It was first introduced as an ornamental garden plant used primarily in large stately homes, but it subsequently escaped into the wider countryside. It is now associated with…
Burnham appoints Phillipson as Labour Party chair
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Bridget Phillipson as Labour Party chair. A Labour spokesperson said Phillipson, who is also minister for women and equalities, will work closely with deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell to modernise the party ready for the next general election. Phillipson and Powell went head to head for the deputy leader…
Residents urged to join nationwide butterfly count
According to the charity, about 80% of UK butterfly species have declined over the past 50 years due to factors including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Species that can be recorded during the survey include the Peacock, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Brimstone and Small Copper. Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s lead for climate response, environment…
Wildfires and record dry conditions trigger drought in parts of Wales
NRW announced last week that north and south-east Wales were moving to “prolonged dry weather” status – classed as a first step towards drought. It triggered enhanced monitoring and checks of waterways and important sites for wildlife as well as advice for farmers and others who use water from rivers. Now the regulator says the…
Most sewage spills in England may be illegal, new research suggests
It is not the first time the Environment Agency’s enforcement regime has been called into question. In 2024, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), an independent public body, ruled that the EA was not applying legislation properly as to when sewage could be legally discharged. It said the EA was allowing water companies to spill…