UK Edition - Today's top story: The next frontier is not artificial intelligence, it's artificial societies September 11, 2026 UK Edition   Feeling rather gloomy after the latest pronouncements that the end of the world is nigh, I asked Nick Jennings, vice-chancellor of Loughborough University and one of the UK’s leading authorities on autonomous systems, for his considered view of how AI is going to change the societies we live in. What he has written is important, and fascinating. The future, Jennings says, need not be catastrophic (phew) – but it will require a step-change in our thinking. As we learn to share our world with millions of autonomous AI systems over the next decade (yes, that soon), we need to focus not on building intelligent machines, but on building effective, intelligent artificial societies. I was also enlightened by the latest article in our Real Sweden series, which explains how its criminal justice system – once held up as an example of moderation – now risks becoming a world leader in punitiveness. And for all the keen gardeners among us, here are some invaluable tips on how to help any bruised and battered plants recover from the summer heatwaves.   Mike Herd Senior Science + Technology Editor   Inkoly/Shutterstock The next frontier is not artificial intelligence, it’s artificial societies Nick Jennings, Loughborough University We need to stop worrying about intelligent machines and start building intelligent societies. Savvapanf Photo/Shutterstock Sweden’s prison population has doubled in a decade, and is set to spike even further – here’s why Tova Bennet, Lund University; Sigrid Nikka, Lund University Sweden’s prison population could increase to more than 30,000 in the coming decades. Hydrangeas struggle with moisture but may re-shoot from the base of the plant. Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock How to help your garden recover from a heatwave Ross Cameron, University of Sheffield Put down the fertiliser. World Twenty-five years after 9/11: an over-reliance on technology is leaving us vulnerable Pete Fussey, University of Southampton; Mark Maguire, Maynooth University Are technological advances making us any safer? It appears not. Why a small leftist party may help the radical right to power in Germany Sarah Wagner, Queen's University Belfast A small party with socialist roots stands as possible kingmaker in Saxony-Anhalt. How Donald Trump’s war in Iran is failing the legitimacy test in the eyes of US voters Ben Soodavar, King's College London The US president does not have a convincing story to tell about the Iran confict. ‘Blood olives’: the hurdles in enforcing UK’s ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements Sarah Schiffling, Hanken School of Economics; Claire Hannibal, Robert Gordon University; Rosanna Cole, University of Surrey The ban may end up hurting Palestinian producers. Politics + Society 9/11 transformed our relationship with news – and laid the groundwork for today’s crisis of trust Jared Ahmad, University of Sheffield Newsrooms, rather than acting as critical watchdogs, arguably echoed the Bush administration’s narrative. Arts + Culture Practical Magic 2 will bewitch fans despite its flimsy premise Lynsey Cowlishaw, King's College London Faithful fans are going to love Practical Magic 2 just the way they did the original – even though it was completely ridiculous. Cate Blanchett’s Electra/Persona at the National Theatre is a surreal triumph Will Shüler, Royal Holloway, University of London This innovative production combines Sophocles’ revenge play with Ingmar Bergman’s film to explore ideas of identity and performativity. Six ways people have used magic to protect their homes throughout history – from witch bottles to ‘hag stones’ Thomas Waters, Imperial College London If you’ve got problem neighbours, or your house and garden seem to suffer from bad luck, perhaps it’s time to try a magical solution. Pressure: Andrew Scott excels in D-day drama that gets caught between history and Hollywood Sam Edwards, Loughborough University The film presents a welcome lesson in the importance of speaking truth to power, regardless of the pressure that results. Business + Economy Strait of Hormuz crisis: how danger and uncertainty can affect the mental health of seafarers Patricia Kennedy, University College Cork; Anita Rayegani, University of Hamburg; Eka Siradze, Tbilisi State University Research links unsafe conditions, long hours and poor sleep with worse mental health at sea. Conflict can intensify each of these pressures. Environment Heatwaves are making toxic algae worse, but the real problem is what we are putting into our rivers and lakes Paul Leonard, Dublin City University; Marta Albin, Dublin City University Hot weather accelerates toxic algal blooms, but nutrient pollution provides the fuel. Health Snakebites kill tens of thousands every year, could our new research change that? Andreas Hougaard Laustsen, Technical University of Denmark; Anne Ljungars, Technical University of Denmark; Kartik Sunagar, Indian Institute of Science Horses have been used to make antivenom for more than a century. Could our new research offer a better way? More newsletters from The Conversation for you: World Affairs Briefing • Imagine climate action • Global Economy & Business • Europe newsletter • Something Good • Politics Weekly • Education Focus About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organisation dedicated to helping academic experts share ideas with the public. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of universities and readers like you. Donate now to support research-based journalism   Featured events View all The Women's Library at 100: celebrating a century of collections 2 March - 30 September 2026 • The new supply-side era: the O-ring meets geopolitics 14 September 2026 • What happened to liberal democracy? 15 September 2026 • British Science Festival 16 - 20 September 2026 • Southampton Promote your event   Contact us here to have your event listed. 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