UK Edition - Today's top story: End of humanity? Blow-by-blow account of what would happen if the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted now September 22, 2026 UK Edition   The last time the Yellowstone supervolcano in the US had a catastrophic super-eruption was 631,000 years ago, when there were probably no humans in the region to experience it. So what would happen if it erupted today? In our latest Insights long read, two experts in disasters and volcanoes break down exactly what we might expect, day by day. Their fascinating thought experiment examines the detailed science of the eruption, as well as the devastating potential impact on human and animal life, the global economy and much more. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under pressure after his CDU party suffered heavy defeats in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, fresh from its loss in Saxony-Anhalt. And have you ever wondered why the first bit of a run is so difficult? We have an explanation.   Miriam Frankel Senior Editor, Science Insights   Leo Kohout/Shutterstock End of humanity? Blow-by-blow account of what would happen if the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted now Ilan Kelman, UCL; Matthew Blackett, Coventry University Anybody within the eruption zone would be pulverised by blasts, crisped by the heat, or asphyxiated by ash. The German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, addresses the media after his CDU party falls to heavy defeats in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on September 20. Hannibal Hanschke / EPA Two more election defeats pile pressure on German chancellor Friedrich Merz Ed Turner, Aston University Fresh from its loss in Saxony-Anhalt, Friedrich Merz’s CDU party has fallen to heavy defeats in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Don’t give up just yet. EugeneEdge/ Shutterstock Why the start of your run feels so difficult Richard Taylor, Coventry University It’s a problem that affects almost everyone – from someone attempting their first 5K to elite endurance athletes. World Many presidents have had a bad press – but Donald Trump’s decision to ban selected media from the White House is extreme Colleen Murrell, Dublin City University The Trump administration claims to defend free speech, but is quick to attack any critical journalists or media outlets. No surprise as Putin’s party wins election billed as ‘referendum’ on war in Ukraine Jennifer Mathers, Aberystwyth University Putin’s party was always going to win big. But the campaign revealed ambivalence about the war, particularly in Russian-occupied Ukraine. From French outpost to Euro-Canadian corridor? Why Carney and Macron met in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon Paco Milhiet, Institut catholique de Paris (ICP) Donald Trump has given France and Canada another reason to close ranks. For Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the test is whether it will produce lasting investment and development opportunities. Three Ts will dominate Trump-Xi summit – but expect little movement on trade, less on Taiwan and who knows on tech Rana Mitter, Harvard Kennedy School Chinese and American leaders meet amid growing urgency over the issue of AI regulation. Politics + Society The challenge ahead for Andy Burnham if he wants a codified UK constitution Sharon McAvoy, Edge Hill University Public understanding of the constitution is crucial. Arts + Culture How a love of gossip could make you a better reader Tabitha Rowland, University of Liverpool Gossiping involves being able to read social codes and pick up a host of other signals. Forgotten Mozart notebook reveals how a young woman learned to compose Stacy Olive Jarvis, University of Birmingham The notebook preserves something that composer-centred histories often miss: the musical work taking place around Mozart, in this case by a young woman. Education Inclusion is central to England’s education policy – but what it means is changing Julie Wharton, University of Winchester Inclusion is often treated as a self-evident term. Environment ‘Small, flowering islands’: German city reveals how nature thrives when neighbours care for street tree beds Kelly Baldwin Heid, University of Freiburg; Rita de Sousa e Silva, Leiden University The tiny gardens beneath street trees can boost biodiversity and our connection to where we live. Health Can nutrients in our foods mimic calorie restriction and increase our healthspan? Justin Roberts, Anglia Ruskin University Researchers are investigating whether food compounds can imitate calorie restriction. The strongest evidence still comes from cells and animals. Science + Technology Could AI really kill all humans? Most scenarios require physical access, making AI armageddon unlikely Alessandro Di Nuovo, Sheffield Hallam University; Samuele Vinanzi, Sheffield Hallam University Are the warnings of a potential AI apocalypse credible? 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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