Ferret Underground: Guess who's back

As asbestos cement pipes supplying drinking water degrade across the UK, experts ask whether they pose a risk to human health.

Scotland has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world, connected to a history of heavy industry where asbestos was previously used. In 2014 Scotland was found to have the highest global rate of mesothelioma, a cancer of the linings of certain organs.

Now experts fear that Scotland and other nations may be on the cusp of a new wave of asbestos cases.

An investigation by The Ferret, part of a cross-border probe into asbestos in the environment, looked at the legacy of ageing asbestos cement water pipes which supply drinking water.

Will AI disinformation sway the general election?

For Fact’s Sake is back for a brand new series, kicking off with a special three-part look at the impact of misinformation on the upcoming elections this year.

In the first episode, we spoke to Polly Curtis from think-tank Demos about how AI could affect the general election, and democracy more widely.

Demos has recently produced a report on the potential of AI to alter democracy.

We also launched our newest feature, the Conspiracy Dictionary, with a look at the World Economic Forum (WEF).