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The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful

As TikTok’s latest beauty fad goes viral, Dr Louise N Hanson of the Department of Psychology reflects on trends throughout history.

A closeup of a woman's lips with a needle injecting fluid

Children from poorer families do worse at school – here’s how to understand the disadvantage gap

Professor in the School of Education Nadia Siddiqui explains the disadvantage gap index and what can be done to reduce it.

Students sit at a table with books and writing utensils

Ukraine must not capitulate to a forced deal with Russia

Whether Kyiv’s resistance remains morally justifiable is fundamentally a matter of how much Ukraine and its people value their freedom and are prepared to sacrifice for it, writes Christopher Finlay, professor in political theory.

Inside the sex lives of chimpanzees: it’s about much more than just reproduction

Dr Jake Brooker and Professor Zanna Clay of our Department of Psychology share their new research on the social role sex plays in bonobo and chimpanzee groups.

Four chimpanzees walk in a line in the forest

Ilona Maher and the myth of feminine fragility – how one rugby player is reshaping sport

Professor Stephen Mumford from our Department of Philosophy and Associate Professor Sheree Bekker discuss the impact that Ilona Maher is having on women's sports and perceptions of femininity, fragility.

White and blue rugby ball resting on the grass, with a sunny sky

Two great war leaders united by American isolationism: Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky

Tim Luckhurst of Durham University explores the parallels between political leaders Charles de Gaulle and Volodymyr Zelensky and their relations with USA presidents.

The USA flag fluttering in the wind with patches of blue sky

Children’s perception of normal body shape is affected by who they see around them – new research

Professor Lynda Boothroyd, from our Department of Psychology, discusses the flexibility of body weight perceptions in children and young adults, as part of a first-of-its-kind study.

Silhouettes of a child growing through to an adult

How our bodies react when we use social media – and when we stop

Dr Niklas Ihssen, from our Department of Psychology, explores what happens to our bodies when we social media - and what happens when we stop.

Why incest porn is more common and harmful than you think

Law professor Clare McGlynn explains why it matters that incest porn has become so popular online, and what can be done about it.

A man sits in the dark in front of a computer with a glass of wine

Is Labour’s latest immigration policy counterproductive?

The Labour Government recently announced that those arriving by irregular means to the UK, even if they are legitimate refugees, will be barred from ever becoming British citizens. Assistant Professor in Public Policy at the School of Government and International Affairs Omar Hammoud-Gallego argues that this kind of policy will not protect Labour from Reform’s insurgence, while at the same time it won’t solve the problem of irregular migration.

Bilingual children with special educational needs may be missing out on support in England

Johny Daniel, an assistant professor in our School of Education, writes on what can be done to help these students catch up with their peers.

Children sitting in a classroom raise their hands

Is Tesla’s sales slump down to Elon Musk?

In January, sales of Tesla cars slumped across five European countries. Professor Gretchen Larsen in Marketing, Durham University Business School, and Dr James Obiegbu, at Bournemouth University, examine if this is down to the controversies surrounding Elon Musk.