Public perceptions of “social Europe” signal support for more EU integration, while new welfare regimes abroad highlight a worldwide trend. By SOFIA STRODT More than half of a century of economic and political integration in the EU has stripped away many taboos about pooling national powers in a third area: social policy. While welfare firmly remains … Read more
Tomb and urn images shed light on the intricacies of Etruscan and Roman civilisation at least 2 000 years ago, reviving it for modern times. By ALEX WHITING A 2 500-year-old Etruscan tomb in the Italian city of Tarquinia has walls covered in paintings of brightly coloured dancers and musicians. A 1st-century funerary urn of a woman … Read more
European researchers are developing online tools to help small and medium-sized enterprises improve the mental health of employees. By Andrew Dunne Ask a person working in a small business how things are going and the question might prompt a mix of responses. On the one hand, work in a small organisation can be enjoyable, exciting … Read more
Reducing everyday offences may depend on harnessing the power of virtual reality, conscious design and community spirit. By Alex Whiting Picture a young offender with a headset immersed in a virtual room, coming face to face with an avatar of his or her future self. The person tells the avatar about his or her lifestyle, … Read more
Technological developments in evidence gathering hold out promise of fewer offences going unpunished. By ALI JONES The global success of television dramas like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has lulled many into thinking that forensic analysis is an all-seeing, speedy science. The reality is that it’s much slower than TV lets on, with more limited scope for success. Not … Read more
Every cloud has a silver lining. So whether or not the sun sets on cryptocurrencies, its underlying technology, blockchain, has a bright future beyond just coins. By TOM CASSAUWERS Sam Bankman-Fried was the darling of the cryptocurrency world, then he became its black sheep. In November of this year, the cryptocurrency company he founded, Futures Exchange … Read more