The Conversation

I spend half my working week in Wales, so I hear a lot of views from colleagues and friends about the introduction of a 20mph limit in most towns and cities.

This issue is already becoming a major talking point in the Welsh election campaign ahead of the vote in May, with three political parties already outlining plans to change this speed limit. Michael Woods and Charles Musselwhite of Aberystwyth University analyse why the 20mph limit appears to be so important to Welsh voters.

As someone who struggles to sleep, I am happy to give most things a go to see if they make a difference, so last week it was showering in the dark. It didn’t make a difference for me, but Timothy Hearn from the University of Cambridge looks at the evidence on “dark showering” and whether it could work for others.

It turns out Valentine’s cards weren’t always soppy. The Victorians used to send “vinegar Valentines” that were deliberately cruel and offensive, as Grace Marks from Edge Hill University explains.

As part of the North York Moors National Park’s Dark Sky Festival celebrations starting today, I will be chairing a panel event for The Conversation and York St John University exploring how cities can become more dark-sky-friendly. Come along to the event in York on February 25 to learn how everyone can help combat light pollution, address the climate crisis, and improve environments in both urban and natural settings.

Rachael Jolley

Environment Editor

A 20mph limit was introduced as default in urban areas in Wales. Paul White/Alamy

Why has the 20mph limit become such a political issue in the Welsh election?

Michael Woods, Aberystwyth University; Charles Musselwhite, Aberystwyth University

Political parties are lining up to talk about where they stand on the 20mph urban speed limit in the Welsh election campaign.

MAYA LAB/Shutterstock

The science behind the trend for showering in the dark before bed

Timothy Hearn, University of Cambridge; Anglia Ruskin University

The trend has little direct research, but studies on light, heat and relaxation show why it might help some people.

Illustration accompanying the ‘vinegar Valentine’ rhyme A Beanery Beauty (1865). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Vinegar Valentines: how cruel Victorians sent insulting cards to their unwanted suitors

Grace Marks, Edge Hill University

The vile Victorians were funnier than they looked, using brutal Valentine’s Day cards to mock people they didn’t fancy much.

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