China’s Robot Revolution
A look at the rise of industrial robots in China, a trend that will have a major impact on the global economy.
What would it take to build a tower as high as outer space?
Such are the advances that have been made in structural engineering, that proposals now exist to create buildings that can reach space. For such “megastructures” to be viable however, we may need to look to the natural world for inspiration – perhaps even our own bodies, where an estimated 98% of atoms are replaced each year.
Queens of Infamy: Joanna of Naples
A new entry in a series that profiles “badass world-historical women of centuries past.” Joanna of Naples had an extraordinary life even by the standards of the 14th century’s topsy-turvy geopolitics. Escape from her castle by night, papal trials, attacks on her kingdom by her own relations and four husbands of varying quality all feature in this engaging portrait.
The Spy Who Came Home
A story about Patrick Skinner, currently a local cop in Savannah, Georgia, but formerly a CIA case officer directly engaged in post-9/11 operations. The piece jumps between his two careers and relates how he is applying lessons from the CIA to community policing.
Thomas Heatherwick, Architecture’s Showman
This profile of Thomas Heatherwick looks at his career, and recent work on the Vessel, a huge installation in one of New York’s largest and costliest new developments. The piece is waspish enough to keep things interesting, whilst also providing an insight into the rarefied world of star designers and architects.
Deliverance From 27,000 Feet
The story of the mission to recover the bodies of three climbers on Mount Everest, two of whom were abandoned high up the mountain.
How Britain did Gaddafi’s dirty work
A story suggesting that MI6 played a significant part in rendition programmes in collaboration with Muammar al-Gaddafi’s Libyan regime and the US – a far more significant part than was previously known.
Seven Days of Heroin
A piece with striking video and images, looking at the opioid crisis in America.
The Hijacking of the Brillante Virtuoso
The oil tanker Brillante Virtuoso was attacked off the coast of Somalia and set on fire, apparently by a group of pirates. When the insurance company’s investigator started to look into the incident, he quickly discovered that all was not as it seemed.
Strong and Stable My Arse: How Theresa May Blew the British General Election
An analysis of the unexpected election result and how it came to pass.