Author: Kerra Maddern

This author has written 42 articles

Help researchers track the fascinating history of seaweed eating in Cornwall

Researchers need the help of communities in Cornwall to help trace the fascinating history of seaweed eating. There has been a seaweed culinary revival in recent years, but people have eaten it for thousands of years. Seaweed’s historical use as a food seems to be less well remembered in Cornwall compared to Scotland, Wales and Ireland, where there are still living memories of foraging for and cooking with laver, dulse and carrageen. Now a research team are putting…

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Experts to embark on radical new approach to understand the challenges of academic writing

Experts will launch a radical approach to understanding the challenges of writing well at school and university. A team working on a major new study will create a ‘map’ of writing task types, and their key linguistic features, across different subject areas and educational levels. This will lead to an online resource and guidance to help educational professionals and researchers better understand the different linguistic and academic challenges posed by different text types and the ways in which…

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Moving exhibition shows encroachment of smartphone addiction into rural Iran 

A moving new exhibition shows the encroachment of smartphone addiction into rural Iran, and the surreal impact of the internet on remote communities.  Professor Maziyar Ghiabi spent a decade observing the arrival of 3G and 4G on families in the 70 Peaks Valley in central Iran.  Despite the country’s isolation from the global capitalist economy there is a vibrant digital platform economy.  Professor Ghiabi, Director of the Centre for Persian and Iranian Studies and an anthropologist of health at…

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Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at the University of Exeter

Everyone is invited to celebrate Diwali with fireworks, dancing and delicious food at the University of Exeter. Students hope those of all ages in the local community will join them to mark the festival of lights. The festivities will take place on Sunday 19 October 2025 on the University’s Streatham campus. It will begin at 2:30pm with a traditional Puja led by the Hindu Chaplain in the Forum building. People can then enjoy browsing stalls and taking part…

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Award-winning cyber law resource has 2025 update

Experts from around the world have worked together to expand a unique resource that helps countries, militaries, and academics understand how international law applies to cyber activities. The new material explores issues such as the peaceful settlement of cyber disputes, accountability for crimes against humanity committed through cyber means, and data collection in occupied territory. By combining new scenarios with updated incidents and national positions, the annual update ensures that the Cyber Law Toolkit remains a trusted reference…

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Adjustments to parliamentary procedure needed to help disabled MPs fully participate, research shows

Reforms are needed to House of Commons rules to help disabled MPs fully participate in debates, research shows. Introducing call lists – used temporarily during the pandemic – would help to alleviate the physical and mental pressures involved with trying to be called to speak, an expert has said. Bringing about more predictability by outlining the order and timings of contributions would stop disabled members from being excluded from debates. The current rules governing how MPs are called…

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