The European rabbit is a common sight in the British countryside today. Yet it was not always so. They are not native to the British Isles and are one of the most devastating invasive species. Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies explores the fascinating history of the humble rabbit.

Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies delves into the history of a little-known battle that had a huge influence on English, Scottish and French relations.

Drew Caveney-Holler of our School of Government and International Affairs examines what the UK government can learn from Sweden's approach to defending against disinformation.

Twenty-two people enter a castle with the intention of lying, trusting, murdering and banishing each other. The format of the Traitors is now well established, but the celebrity version of the show highlights some interesting psychological biases which Dr Paddy Ross of our Department of Psychology explores.

The Uprising, a medieval drama directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Andrew Garfield, is set to hit cinemas this autumn. The film draws its inspiration from the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 in England. Dr Alex Brown from our Department of History and our Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies examines the real history behind the film.

The UK government is considering approving a licence for the Jackdaw gasfield, but would it answer Britain’s energy security problem? Or are there other ways to use the North Sea to reduce bills, increase energy security and create jobs in clean energy storage? Durham Energy Institute experts Professor Stuart Jones and Professor Jon Gluyas, Emeritus Chair in Geoenergy, Carbon Capture & Storage, both Department of Earth Sciences, and Dr Andrew Crossland, Department of Engineering, take a look.

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.