More new green energy was produced in 2021 than ever before. From giant offshore wind farms to fields that grow vegetables under solar panels, renewables are a driving force in the transition to a more sustainable world.

This summer three private enterprises flew civilians to outer space. Among the first ‘space tourists’ were actor William Shatner and aviation pioneer Wally Funk. But is space tourism just an amusement for a select few, or can it also bring new understanding to life here on Earth?

Any material that cannot be grown must be mined… until now. Scientists from Australia and other countries are experimenting with amazing plants capable of ‘mining’ metals and minerals. Soon we might farm plants that not only grow fruit and vegetables, but also produce metals such as manganese and nickel.

This March, the 36th America’s Cup was held in New Zealand between the boats Te Rehutai of New Zealand and Luna Rossa of Italy. The America’s Cup is the most prestigious sailing trophy, and the oldest sporting competition in the world, with a rich 170-year-long history.

NASA’s latest discovery might change the future of space exploration: its telescope SOFIA found water on the moon. We look at what this means for the astronauts that will go to the Moon in the near future, and we reflect on what astronomy in general means to humanity.

Since 1788, every four years Americans have voted to elect their president. We look at this age-old tradition and at this year’s election campaign, fought between incumbent president Donald Trump and the Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

In 1920, women obtained the right to vote in the United States. It was the outcome of a long and hard struggle that involved overcoming many obstacles and prejudices. Some of these can still be seen today in important aspects of our societies and even in our language.

Lethargy, irritability, frustration, impatience: during the current lockdown, millions of people around the world are experiencing the effects of a strange condition called ‘cabin fever’. Luckily it can be ‘cured’ and turned into an opportunity for self-improvement and for re-connecting with others in a meaningful way.

We live in a time when we have to limit our social interactions. Among other things, we are advised to avoid a very common and very ancient gesture: the handshake. What is the story and meaning of the handshake and can we find a valid alternative?

It’s all over the news everywhere: the Coronavirus epidemic is spreading around the world. Is it a true, global threat, or are we all overreacting? Let’s look at some facts.

Last January Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, decided to “step back” from their roles as senior royals. It was an unexpected decision that rocked the Royal Family and sent the press into a frenzy.

One of this year’s most trending topics has been climate change. In previous articles, we wrote about people and private enterprises fighting against this existential problem. It is time to recap and update some of these inspiring stories.

A recent BBC documentary showed how intelligent octopuses are: they can use tools, solve puzzles and pass memory tests. But how ‘human’ are octopuses, and how ‘human’ are other animals? Recent scientific studies shed new light on what animals think and feel and are re-writing our relationship with them.

Recently the Indian Army declared it had found footprints left by a Yeti. The claim renewed the debate over the possible existence of this legendary creature. Despite the lack of truly convincing evidence, belief in the Yeti, as well as in the American Bigfoot, is widespread and the reason for this might be more than simple scientific curiosity.

Last October, the art world was both shocked and amused by Banksy’s latest prank: destroying one of his own paintings live during an auction. Banksy is a mysterious British underground street artist who uses his works to convey social and political messages. His art, which appears unexpectedly on city walls around the world, is deep, humorous and controversial.

This year there’s a new subject in thousands of Australian schools: Mindfulness. The practice of this subject is simple but transformative, and science has proven the beneficial effects it has on the brain. Mindfulness in schools can help students by reducing their anxiety, improving their concentration and enhancing their positive qualities, such as creativity and empathy.

Black History Month, celebrated in February, promotes African-American heritage and history. Established more than 90 years ago, it has played an important role in the Civil Rights of the 1950s and ‘60s. Today its message is echoed in the Black Lives Matter movement, and this year in a Hollywood film: the superhero blockbuster Black Panther .

Twohundred years ago, the novel "Frankenstein" was first published. The story of the mad scientist and the monstrous creature he creates has become a classic for many reasons. "Frankenstein" is a revolutionary book that helped create two literary genres: horror and science fiction. But it also conveys a deep, moral message still relevant to modern readers.

Winston Churchill was an influential politician, but also a prolific writer with an interest in science. A lost and unpublished article by Churchill was recently found in a museum in Missouri. It’s titled “Are We Alone in the Universe?” and the timing of its discovery seemed perfect: astronomers might be on the verge of finally answering that question.

Just five days into 2017, London exceeded its annual air pollution limit. London’s polluted air is a centuries-old problem. A group of young activists believe that too little has been done for too long. With their campaign Clean Air Now they hope to raise awareness of the problem and to pressure politicians to improve, once and for all, London’s air quality.