Companies such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink are developing devices that could give blind people a sense of sight. Emily Mullin reveals how this innovative technology represents a significant step in aiding blind individuals, potentially enhancing their independence and mobility. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

WIRED

The next frontier for brain implants is artificial vision

Some politicians have called peaceful U.S. student protests against the Israel-Hamas conflict a threat. Instead, they are providing us all with an education in democracy, argues Howard W. French. Read by Karl Miller.

Foreign Policy

What Columbia’s protests reveal about America

The effectiveness of Tinder and Hinge is hard to judge without access to their data. Looking at the complexity of online matchmaking, Laura Spinney reveals that researchers are creating a free alternative with complete transparency. Read by Emma Powell.

The Guardian

‘The science isn’t there’: do dating apps really help us find our soulmate?

A gap has opened up between how America’s Democrats and Republicans view the world. The Economist reveals how this has led to differing interpretations of economic data and influences their investment decisions.

The Economist

How American politics has infected investing

College students who started their studies during the pandemic have had a challenging journey in higher education, marked by missed milestones, heightened anxiety and ending with protests. Douglas Belkin explores their stories and questions the future of traditional university experiences. Read by Mark Deakins.

The Wall Street Journal

They entered college in isolation and leave in protest: the class that missed out on fun

With a likely re-election for Modi looming, The Economist asks whether India is on course to transform its economy and emerge as a new economic power.

How strong is India’s economy?

Arabs across the Middle East are angry, but their governments can’t afford to sever ties. David E. Rosenberg argues that - despite longstanding tensions and regional conflicts - Arab states have maintained strategic relations with Israel, prioritizing stability and financial benefits over political disputes. 

Read by Michael Bott.

Why Arab states haven’t broken with Israel

Has the age of the corporate take-over ended? 

As companies face high-interest rates and rapid technological change, many companies - including Disney, Ford, and Microsoft - are turning to new models in what The Economist calls "quasi-mergers".



How to build a global business empire in the 21st century

Leading expert in the field Dr Marc E. Agronin explains how early detection of Alzheimer's disease has changed how patients view a diagnosis and how they live with it. Read by Ron Butler.

The new, more-hopeful face of Alzheimer’s disease

Going beyond self-help solutions to burnout, Philosopher Alec Stubbs argues that society's obsession with productivity requires structural changes to embrace play as a fundamental, joyful part of life. Read by Michael Satow.

Psyche

The achievement society is burning us out, we need more play

Even when it’s not explicitly religious, humans do what they always have: raise their heads, shout questions to the stars, and wish for an answer. Francesco Dimitri reflects on how belief in alien visitors resembles our oldest ways of making sense of the world. Read by Jonathan Booth.

UFO belief is a modern outlet for ancient spiritual yearnings

Apple's mixed-reality headset is impossible to ignore. But, as Brenda Stolyar discovers, it can create a wall of isolation between partners. Read by Betsy Foldes Meiman.

My life outside of the Apple Vision Pro

The legalization of cannabis in the United States has been an unqualified success for approximately no one. But a legal psychedelics industry could serve at least some Americans well, Jane C. Hu writes.

The Atlantic

Almost no one is happy with legal weed

As many now consider the sex trafficking and sexual abuse allegations against Sean Combs to define his legacy, Craig Jenkins examines how the rap mogul shook off decades of rumoured bad behaviour with wholesome PR revamps. Read by Karl Miller.

Vulture

Diddy’s open secrets

A growing body of research suggests that a positive state of mind plays a significant role in promoting both physical and mental well-being. Immaculata De Vivo explores the correlation between optimism and numerous positive health indicators. Read by Gina Rogers.

MIT Press Reader

The new science of optimism and longevity

The average American 25-year-old Gen Zer has an annual household income of over $40,000, more than 50% above the average baby boomer at the same age. The Economist considers how long this economic advantage could last.

Generation Z is unprecedentedly rich

Some countries are experimenting with, or reintroducing, conscription in response to dwindling recruitment numbers and escalating global tensions. The Economist reveals that despite various attempts to make military service appealing, the values of younger generations and lucrative job markets continue to challenge traditional recruitment efforts.

Would you really die for your country?

Jeanette Breen, a New York midwife, falsified 12,499 vaccine records using homoeopathic pellets instead of actual vaccines. James D. Walsh reflects on how her actions raised public health concerns and legal scrutiny amid tightening vaccination laws. Read by Michael Satow.

New York Magazine

What led a New York midwife to fake 12,499 vaccine records? And what, exactly, did parents know?

Artificial intelligence may eventually surpass humans in art, intellect, music and sport. But that doesn’t mean the competition will end. The Economist reflects on why humans will probably still strive to exceed their fellow humans.

What will humans do if technology solves everything?

Is it criminal accountability or prosecutorial overreach? Examining Trump's charges in his hush-money case, legal columnist Elie Honig explains how the former president's characterization is all a matter of perspective. Read by Karl Miller.

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