The Conversation

Wading into the online world of incels – involuntary celibates – isn’t for the faint-hearted. But teachers are now often required to familiarise themselves with what a “trucel” is and the murky politics of the “sexual marketplace”. Incel culture now forms part of the curriculum, and teachers may encounter misogynistic comments in the classroom. There are complicated undercurrents here, as we explore. They include the link between incel beliefs and inequality – and the burden dealing with this topic places on adults.

It’s 40 years since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Now, the exclusion zone around the plant that forbids human habitation is home to numerous animals, who live peaceful lives despite continuing radioactive contamination. These include feral dogs, which a research study found to be genetically distinct to other dogs – though perhaps not for the reason you might think.

The blocking of the Strait of Hormuz continues to cause economic uncertainty around the globe. And game theory suggests future geopolitical tensions could play out in a similar way.

Grace Allen

Education and Young People Editor

New Africa/Shutterstock

Understanding incel culture – and how schools can address it

David Smith, Robert Gordon University; Sabrina Fitzsimons, Dublin City University

Pressure is mounting for teachers now expected to cover incel culture during their classes.

Anton Yuhimenko / shutterstock

Chernobyl’s wildlife: the real story isn’t the presence of radiation – it’s the absence of humans

Jim Smith, University of Portsmouth

Is radiation really changing Chornobyl’s dogs? It’s a great story, but not supported by evidence.

lavizzara//Shutterstock

The Strait of Hormuz shows how everything is now about leverage

Renaud Foucart, Lancaster University

Controlling supply chains puts a country in a very powerful position.

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