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An outbreak of invasive bacterial meningitis at the University of Kent has killed two young people and left 11 seriously ill, prompting the UK Health Security Agency to distribute antibiotics to students in the Canterbury area. One of the biggest challenges with meningococcal disease is that its early symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or even a hangover, making it easy to overlook until it becomes severe. Our expert Q&A covers everything you need to know, from how it spreads and who is most at risk, to what the symptoms are and when to seek help. We’ve also produced a guide for students here.
Also this week, as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz choke off global oil supplies, we look at how much of the world’s trade depends on just a handful of narrow waterways.
And with St Patrick’s Day upon us, we explore a lesser-known historical puzzle: were there in fact two fifth-century men named Patrick involved in bringing Christianity to Ireland?
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Clint Witchalls
Senior Health Editor
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Tunatura/Shutterstock.com
Rebecca A. Drummond, University of Birmingham
Two people have died in a bacterial meningitis outbreak in the south of England. Here’s what you need to know.
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A vessel anchored off the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf on March 1.
Stringer / EPA
Gokcay Balci, University of Leeds; Ebru Surucu-Balci, University of Bradford
The vital strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to shipping since the start of the conflict in Iran.
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An icon of St Patrick from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Chicago.
WikiCommons/Canva
Chris Doyle, University of Galway
According to one tradition, both men knew one another closely and were each involved in promulgating Christianity in Ireland.
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Arts + Culture
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Luis Freijo, King's College London
Host Conan O’Brien kept the political references to harmless jokes.
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Business + Economy
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Maura McAdam, Dublin City University
Quiet people can network as well as extroverts – if they know how.
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Education
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Manal Mohammed, University of Westminster
If you notice a friend exhibiting any concerning signs – especially rapid worsening over hours – take them seriously.
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Karen Middleton, University of Portsmouth
Most online platforms appear free to use, but they are largely funded through advertising.
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Environment
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Paolo Aversa, King's College London
More overtaking may not mean better racing.
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Rachel Grant, London South Bank University
Scientists are studying the phenomenon of animals behaving strangely before earthquakes.
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Luke Elson, University of Reading
Many philosophers have noticed the similarities between environmental damage and the puzzle of the self-torturer.
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Health
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Jiayao Lei, Karolinska Institutet; Shiqiang Wu, Karolinska Institutet
A long-term study following girls and young women for nearly two decades shows the HPV vaccine provides strong and lasting protection against cervical cancer.
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Manal Mohammed, University of Westminster
If you notice a friend exhibiting any concerning signs – especially rapid worsening over hours – take them seriously.
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Mike Stembridge, Cardiff Metropolitan University; Elliott Jenkins, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Researchers found taking regular hot baths increased runners’ aerobic fitness without requiring additional mileage or harder workouts.
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Mayur Ranchordas, Sheffield Hallam University
A compound your body makes after drinking caffeine is now appearing in drinks. But scientists are still studying how safe and effective it really is.
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Science + Technology
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Rachel Grant, London South Bank University
Scientists are studying the phenomenon of animals behaving strangely before earthquakes.
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Muiris MacCarthaigh, Queen's University Belfast; Joshua Weston, Queen's University Belfast
AI could help astronomers crunch the vast amounts of data produced by a new observatory.
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2 March - 30 September 2026
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11 March - 11 April 2026
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