UK Edition - Today's top story: Your brain runs on 20 watts. Could brain-inspired computing do the same? September 17, 2026 UK Edition   The first computers filled entire rooms and drew as much power as a small factory. Today, a chip smaller than a fingernail in your mobile phone is far more powerful. Neuromorphic computing, which takes its inspiration from the extraordinarily efficient way our brains work, raises the prospect of a similar shift – not by making today’s computers slightly more efficient, but by fundamentally rethinking how they should work. UCL’s Aysha Asif Riaz, who works at the cutting edge of this new technology, explains its potential advantages – and asks why it’s taken so long for computer scientists to appreciate how well our brains work. Did you know the Bayeux tapestry includes 33 buildings? They range from simple shacks to palaces. Here’s our expert guide to the 11th-century built environment it reveals. We also look at the pros and cons of a new UK government plan to address class inequality.   Mike Herd Senior Science + Technology Editor   Blue Andy/Shutterstock Your brain runs on 20 watts. Could brain-inspired computing do the same? Aysha Asif Riaz, UCL Neuromorphic technology is reimagining how computers should work. Edward the Confessor in his turreted palace. Wikipedia What the Bayeux tapestry reveals about medieval buildings on both sides of the Channel Elizabeth den Hartog, Leiden University From Westminster Abbey to Mont St Michel, the Bayeux tapestry’s 33 buildings reveal its designer was familiar with monastic manuscripts and stonemasonry. White working class children have been left behind, the government argues. pics five / Shutterstock UK government’s new ‘class unit’ promises to tackle inequalities – but it’s a risky strategy Louise Ashley, Queen Mary University of London; Eve Worth, University of Exeter A new government class unit has been set up with a change of emphasis in policy. World Why Yemen has returned to conflict Vincent Durac, University College Dublin The recent Houthi advance has revived the seemingly endless conflict between Saudi Arabia and its antagonists in Yemen. Arts + Culture The domestic goddess enters the tent: Nigella Lawson and Bake Off thrive on the same fantasy Jenny Lawson, University of Leeds Since her cookbook Domestic Goddess, Nigella has cultivated a distinct feminine cooking brand that aligns with the sensibilities of Bake Off. Wendell Berry spent his life farming and writing – his legacy is an ethic of care for the natural world Hannah Green, University of Bristol Every reader, farmers and non-farmers alike, can learn from his broader ethics of care, attention and negotiation with the natural world. Education Proposed curriculum in Northern Ireland would restrict children’s language learning Ian Collen, Queen's University Belfast The new proposals shift to a single core modern language, only required at secondary school in the 11-14 age range. Environment Britain’s most artificial landscape may not survive climate change Katie Jenkins, University of East Anglia; Robert James Nicholls, University of East Anglia The Fens are a food-growing powerhouse, but the landscape only exists thanks to humans holding back the sea. Earthshot and the science of positive tipping points: how environmental progress can become unstoppable Steven R. Smith, University of Exeter; Tim Lenton, University of Exeter Change happens rapidly when we know where to look: these solutions could tip the world towards a better future. Health Lucy Letby: Thirlwall inquiry lays bare the responsibility of NHS management – here’s what needs to change for the future Judith Smith, University of Birmingham The report described the number of ways that management and organisational faults contributed to the tragedies that occurred at the hospital. ‘Ferritin face’ is trending – but can your skin really reveal low iron? Chloe Casey, Bournemouth University TikTok has turned a blood test into the latest beauty hack. Here’s what low iron can really do to your skin, and what it can’t. Science + Technology How firelight may have shaped the origins of spoken language Hannah Little, University of Liverpool New study suggests ancient campfires may have encouraged our ancestors to develop language. AI can be more comforting than a person – our research shows why Sarah A. Walker, Durham University; Belen Lopez-Perez, University of Manchester We increasingly turn to chatbots when we are upset. But what they cannot do may be what matters most. More newsletters from The Conversation for you: World Affairs Briefing • Imagine climate action • Global Economy & Business • Europe newsletter • Something Good • Politics Weekly • Education Focus About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organisation dedicated to helping academic experts share ideas with the public. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of universities and readers like you. 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