Research exploring the growing role of artificial intelligence in emotional support suggests that people can sometimes find AI responses as comforting, or even more comforting, than those from other people. Dr Sarah Walker, from our School of Education, and Dr Belen Lopez-Perez, of the University of Manchester, examine why AI-generated responses are often perceived as empathetic and supportive, while highlighting the enduring importance of human relationships and personal connection.

Debate about the need for North Sea drilling risks distracting us from asking how the UK can build a low-carbon economy now and in the future. Dr Pancho Lewis, in our Department of Geography, and Dr Ewan Gibbs, of the University Glasgow, say a programme of industrial renewal, coupled with a more expansive set of social reforms, could support a green transition away from carbon-intensive industries while narrowing social inequalities.

The Humanities took centre stage in the House of Lords as Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson MBE, from our Department of Classics and Ancient History, celebrated the launch of three new books exploring the impact and relevance of Classics in the modern world.

Across Syria’s shattered cities, the scars of war remain visible, but so too are the people and communities working to rebuild their future. Here Professor Bahar Baser from our School of Government and International Affairs, alongside colleagues from the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies give a powerful account of recent travels through Syria and reflect on the long and complex path from conflict towards recovery.

Iraq’s archaeologists are often portrayed as recipients of support, rather than equal partners in shaping future research of this important part of the world. Professor Jaafar Jotheri, Honorary Research Fellow in our Department of Archaeology, and Claudia Glatz and Daniel Calderbank, of the University of Glasgow, tell us more about how the narrative is being shifted.

Knowing emperor penguins' movements during the polar winter could help support future conservation efforts. Dr Grant Macdonald, in our Department of Geography, explains how for the first time freely available satellite radar images are giving us a year-round view of their movements and improving our understanding of their response to a changing environment.

Dr Edward Creedy of our Department of Theology and Religion explores the distinction between performance and real life in ancient times through to the digital age of social media.

What does The Odyssey film tell us about the effects of war on soldiers? Dr Brian Powers from our International Centre for Moral Injury shares his thoughts.

The UK could store enough green hydrogen in depleted North Sea oil and gas fields to meet the country’s future electricity demands for seven years. The researchers behind this discovery, Professor Stuart Jones, Professor Chris Groves, and Associate Professor in Practice Dr Andrew Crossland, tell us how using the depleted fields for hydrogen storage could take conventional gas power stations off the grid altogether by 2040.

Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies looks back on the devastating impact of volcano eruptions through time.

Dr Kaweh Kerami of our School of Government and International Affairs reflects on whether Afghanistan has found the peace that the Taliban claim, five years after the group seized power.

Professor Glenn McGregor from our Geography Department shares his insights on how Japan’s earthquake response reveals the dangers of compound disasters, where extreme heat can intensify the effects of an earthquake and create a second crisis. He highlights why disaster planning must account for overlapping climate and natural hazards, rather than treating each emergency in isolation.