UK Edition - Today's top story: North Korea grows stronger as South Korea reckons with fading US support August 18, 2026 UK Edition   Only a few years ago, North Korea was in severe economic trouble. International sanctions and strict pandemic border lockdowns had cut off vital goods and food supplies. But this all changed with the signing of a mutual defence pact with Russia in 2024. North Korea is now deeply involved in the Ukraine war and has seen its economic woes eased in the process. Rumours are now swirling that Pyongyang is preparing to send more troops to fight alongside Russia. South Korea will be watching these developments closely, writes Virginie Grzelczyk of Aston University, especially as relations with its historical security backer, the US, begin to fray. Recent heatwaves have shown that many parts of our everyday infrastructure just aren’t up to the challenge of sustained high temperatures. That includes zoos. And because traffic reduction initiatives can divide communities, we’ve looked at the evidence on what makes them succeed or fail.   Sam Phelps Commissioning Editor, International Affairs   The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, welcomes home troops returning from deployment in the Kursk region of Russia. KCNA / EPA North Korea grows stronger as South Korea reckons with fading US support Virginie Grzelczyk, Aston University South Korea continues push for peace with the north, as Pyongyang’s military strength grows. amarw92/Shutterstock Are zoos ready for the changing climate? Samantha Ward, Nottingham Trent University The species most at risk may not always be the ones we expect. Chatham172/Shutterstock Traffic-calming schemes are controversial – here’s why some succeed while others fail Sebastian Stannard, University of Southampton; Alan Wong, University of Southampton; John Preston, University of Southampton In Portswood, bus users enjoyed reliable journeys and a calmer high street. But some residents faced longer and less convenient car journeys. Politics + Society Why gatherings and celebrations are such an important part of summer Annayah Prosser, University of Bath Research shows that festivals and gatherings can change the way people choose to live. Arts + Culture The enduring mystery of Scotland’s medieval cannibals Gordon McKelvie, University of Winchester The most famous Scottish cannibal was Sawney Bean, a 16th-century man who, with his wife and children, supposedly killed and ate travellers to the Ayrshire coast. Some of the most trusted political voices in 18th-century Britain were fictional – why this tradition lives on Adam J Smith, York St John University A fictional astrologist, parrot, Chinese philosopher and midwife wrote biting and sought after political satire in the 18th-century. How a 19th-century estate agent offered 3D property ‘walkthroughs’ before the dawn of the photography age John Plunkett, University of Exeter In 1838, a London estate agent began advertising its ‘cosmorama’ to rich clients seeking expensive estates. Comedy shows and college mysteries – the best things to watch, visit and read this week Anna Walker, The Conversation From the best bits of the Fringe to a thrilling new mystery series, these are our top picks of the week. Business + Economy Nurses learn how to care for patients – they should also learn how systems can fail them Anna Chatzi, University of Limerick Even skilled nurses can make mistakes when systems are badly designed. Human factors training could help nurses recognise and reduce these risks. How a 19th-century estate agent offered 3D property ‘walkthroughs’ before the dawn of the photography age John Plunkett, University of Exeter In 1838, a London estate agent began advertising its ‘cosmorama’ to rich clients seeking expensive estates. Education Nurses learn how to care for patients – they should also learn how systems can fail them Anna Chatzi, University of Limerick Even skilled nurses can make mistakes when systems are badly designed. Human factors training could help nurses recognise and reduce these risks. Why university resits are harder for some students than others Karen Lander, University of Manchester; Andrew Mawdsley, University of Manchester Financial pressures can reduce the amount of time, energy and emotional capacity available for revision. Environment Climate change is driving some entire communities to relocate – but simply moving isn’t enough Ricardo Safra de Campos, University of Exeter; Nihal Ranjit, Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS); Tasneem Siddiqui, University of Dhaka Researchers spoke to relocated people in India and Bangladesh to find out what worked. Health Continuous glucose monitors have transformed diabetes care - but they don’t tell the whole story John Mulley, Bangor University Continuous glucose monitors are changing diabetes care, but they have limits that matter during the most extreme blood sugar events. Nurses learn how to care for patients – they should also learn how systems can fail them Anna Chatzi, University of Limerick Even skilled nurses can make mistakes when systems are badly designed. Human factors training could help nurses recognise and reduce these risks. Is spraying perfume on neck bad for your health? Ahmed Elbediwy, Kingston University; Nadine Wehida, Kingston University A viral post by a cancer specialist concedes there is no evidence of thyroid harm, while invoking hormone disruption and lifelong exposure. What does research show? How diabetes can affect your ability to control the pedals while driving Maaike Esselaar, Manchester Metropolitan University; Dilwyn Marple-Horvat, Manchester Metropolitan University Nerve damage in the feet can make it harder to sense pedal position, increasing the risk of dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Science + Technology Are zoos ready for the changing climate? Samantha Ward, Nottingham Trent University The species most at risk may not always be the ones we expect.