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Opening the Cosmic ConversationThe Guardian’s Notes & Queries column poses a speculative yet culturally resonant question: “If an alien landed and asked you: ‘What is music?’ what would you play for them?” Readers are encouraged to submit answers, with a selection slated for publication next Sunday.The Prompt’s Structure and Publication NoteThe call‑out appears under the byline Heather, Kent and includes a direct email address ([email protected]) for submissions. A brief production note explains that a related question scheduled for 24 May was omitted due to an error.Why This Matters to Cultural EngagementIt leverages curiosity about extraterrestrial life to spark dialogue about the definition and universality of music.By inviting diverse public input, the piece gauges contemporary perceptions of music’s role in human identity.The format reinforces The Guardian’s tradition of interactive journalism, blending speculative thought with community participation.Potential Outcomes and Future InterestResponses will be curated for a Sunday feature, offering a snapshot of collective imagination at a time when space exploration remains a prominent public topic. The selected answers may influence future editorial pieces on art, science, and the intersection of the two.

The End of an Era: Arne Slot's Departure from Liverpool Inevitable and necessary. Despite the continual briefings coming out of the UK side of the club’s operation, the silence from Liverpool’s American ownership was deafening. No vote of confidence, no contract extension talks and – most significant – no official appointment of Etiënne Reijnen to Arne Slot’s coaching staff. The Event Details: Slot's Sacking Eventually, on Saturday lunctime, six days after the final game of a season in which the Reds lost 19 games, Slot was gone. Regardless of what happens next, it was the correct decision. If the next guy does not do well, that does not mean sacking Slot was a mistake. It made no sense for Liverpool’s ownership to allow this to continue, regardless of how much Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes reportedly wanted to stick with the status quo. The Data Analysis: A Disappointing Season 19 losses in a single season Lack of identity in the team's play Disappointing results and performances The Impact Analysis: A United Fanbase I can’t remember Liverpool fans being more united in wanting a trophy-winning manager removed. Usually there’s a split in the fanbase and it can get quite ugly but this time it was pretty unanimous. We all knew. Some may have half-heartedly railed against the idea of “sacking a league-winning manager” but when it happened there was very little condemnation. Mostly it was relief. The Prediction: A New Era for Liverpool The dream is that our real dad (Klopp) comes home but it’s probably going to be another stepdad – this time a fun Spanish one. Andoni Iraola ticks plenty of boxes, but not all of them. He hasn’t experienced the goldfish bowl of a big club like Liverpool, he hasn’t had to navigate the demands of playing twice, or three times, a week and teams don’t set up against Bournemouth in the same way they do Liverpool.

The Visa Delay CrisisThe South African squad's departure for the FIFA World Cup has been delayed due to a hold-up in the visas for Mexico, whom they face in the tournament's opening game in 11 days, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed. Bafana Bafana, as South Africa's national men's football team is known, were scheduled to depart on a chartered flight from Johannesburg to Mexico City on Sunday morning, but remained grounded as visas for the cohost nation for some squad members were delayed.World Cup Opening Match in JeopardyMexico will host South Africa in the World Cup's opening game at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, making this delay particularly concerning. "The South African senior men's national team has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials, and as a result the group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned," SAFA said in a media release. The association emphasized that they are "working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match."Squad and Tournament ScheduleHugo Broos announced his 26-man squad on Wednesday, which included two uncapped players. South Africa will warm up for the World Cup with a friendly against Jamaica on June 5. After taking on the cohosts in their opening group clash, they meet Czechia on June 18 and South Korea on June 24. The squad was given a grand public sendoff in Johannesburg on Saturday before their first appearance in the tournament since hosting it in 2010, but the flight from OR Tambo airport to Mexico City was postponed.Official Response and CriticismSAFA said it had called an emergency committee meeting later on Sunday to discuss the issue following a vociferous condemnation from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who termed it "embarrassing and grossly unfair." "We are being made to look like fools," McKenzie said on social media platform X. Amid speculation about the visa bungle, several social media users questioned why the team paraded in Johannesburg before their departure if team officials were aware that players had not been issued visas yet.Broader Visa Challenges at World CupSouth Africa are not the first team to run into visa-related logistical issues at the World Cup. Members of Iran's World Cup squad have also not been issued visas for the United States, where they play their opening game against New Zealand on June 15 and two other group matches thereafter. According to Iranian state media reports on Saturday, FIFA has informed the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) vice president Mahdi Mohammadnabi that administrative work is in progress and the visas will be issued this week. Iran relocated its team's base camp from Arizona, US, to Mexico last week.

The Pavlovian Paradox: Mosquitoes Learn to Associate DEET with FoodFor decades, the efficacy of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) has been attributed solely to its chemical properties, which are believed to either repel insects or block their ability to detect humans. However, a new study led by Professor Claudio Lazzari from the University of Tours suggests a more complex behavioral interaction. The research indicates that mosquitoes can learn to associate the scent of DEET with the presence of a blood meal, effectively turning a repellent into a lure through a process similar to Pavlovian conditioning.Experimental Evidence: From Repellent to LureThe study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, involved trapping mosquitoes and presenting them with warm blood that was just out of reach. The insects were simultaneously exposed to DEET. The results demonstrated a significant shift in behavior:Trained Group: 60% of mosquitoes that fed while exposed to DEET subsequently attempted to bite when exposed to the repellent alone.Control Groups: Significantly lower percentages were observed in untrained insects (17%) and those with prior exposure to DEET alone (13%).In a real-world test, nearly 60% of the trained mosquitoes attempted to bite a researcher's DEET-treated hand, whereas untrained mosquitoes universally targeted the untreated hand.Redefining Insect Control StrategiesThis discovery represents a significant shift in our understanding of how repellents work. It suggests that the reaction to DEET is not merely a chemical aversion but can be modified by experience. Experts, including Dr. Nina Stanczyk of ETH Zürich, emphasize that while the learning ability of mosquitoes is impressive, the implications for public health are nuanced. The study highlights that repellents may function differently depending on the context of the mosquito's previous interactions with humans.Future Outlook for TravelersDespite the alarming findings, experts urge travelers not to abandon DEET. The consensus is that this phenomenon occurs under specific laboratory conditions and is unlikely to happen frequently in the wild due to the variability of repellents encountered during different blood meals. The key takeaway for the future is the importance of consistent application. As noted by the researchers, the risk of association is highest when the repellent starts to wear off, reinforcing the need for regular reapplication to maintain protection.

The Escalating Drone CampaignUkrainian drones have struck energy and industrial targets across several Russian regions, Russian authorities say, in an escalating campaign of strikes against infrastructure. In Saratov, a region on the Volga River with several oil refineries that has come under regular Ukrainian attack in recent years, Governor Roman Busargin said on Sunday on Telegram that "civil infrastructure" had been damaged in the overnight strikes.Strategic Targeting of Energy InfrastructureUkraine's military confirmed that it had struck the Saratov oil refinery overnight, but denied Russian accusations that it had hit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Russian-occupied territory. In the Kirov region, northeast of Moscow and about 1,300km (800 miles) from Ukraine, Governor Alexander Sokolov said drones had hit a facility in the Urzhumsky district. The Ukrainian army confirmed the attack, saying it had also hit the Lazarevo oil-pumping station in the region.Regional Impact and Civilian CasualtiesGovernors in the Rostov, Voronezh and Belgorod regions, all of which border Ukraine, also reported strikes, and three civilians were injured in Belgorod. On Ukraine's Russian-controlled Crimean Peninsula, Moscow-backed Governor Sergei Aksyonov said authorities were introducing restrictions on sales of petrol, though he did not specify the reason. Ukraine for months has been attacking fuel infrastructure in southwestern Russia close to Crimea.International Support and Future StrategySeparately on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine received a new Iris-T air defence missile launcher from Germany as he asked for the provision of more air defence ammunition from Kyiv's allies. "We also need missiles for air defence systems to have sufficient capabilities to repel Russian attacks," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

The Lead: Liverpool at a CrossroadsAs Liverpool prepares for life after Arne Slot, the club faces significant challenges that will define their immediate future. The Dutchman's tenure ended without the dominance expected, leaving a squad in need of strategic overhaul both on and off the pitch. The new manager inherits a team that must rediscover its identity while addressing key personnel departures and tactical shortcomings.Style Evolution: From Heavy Metal to Soft RockPerhaps Mohamed Salah's style of communication wasn't the slickest, but he was correct that Liverpool need to redefine the style of football they play. Everything on the pitch last season under Arne Slot felt very placid as Liverpool failed to dominate opponents and were often found overrun. The new head coach will want to demonstrate his plans and implement an attacking style to best use what is available to him. Anfield does not want to witness back-foot football, fans want to see a swagger to those in red. Supporters and Slot suffered from a disconnect in the final months. The Dutchman was hindered by not possessing the vivacious personality of Jürgen Klopp nor the results in the end, and the aforementioned tedious style. The successor will want to put fans at the forefront and build a strong bond between stands and dugout, built on a platform of attractive play.Investment Analysis: Underperforming Key SigningsAfter spending heavily last summer trying to build a squad capable of dominating the Premier League for years to come, it was difficult to pick out someone who thrived. Hugo Ekitiké was the best of the new arrivals but record signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak barely made the season's footnotes. Isak could at least attribute his struggles to fitness and injury problems, including a leg fracture, but the German's first taste of English football was a sour one. He never looked comfortable as a No 10, physically finding it tough going as speed on the ball and strength in battle were lacking. Getting the best out of a clearly talented player must be a priority, because Wirtz has the capabilities to open defences and help Liverpool control games but needs a confidence boost and an arm around the shoulder.Structural Impact: Midfield Deficiencies and Leadership VacuumWirtz is part of a wider midfield issue that lacks physicality and an obvious No 6. Ryan Gravenberch was elected as the man for the role by Slot, which worked well when the possession stats were in Liverpool's favour but finding someone who can break things up effectively is advisable. Every other team have someone who can break up play but Liverpool lack someone in that role. Not since Georginio Wijnaldum or Fabinho have the club possessed someone capable of overwhelming opponents with their physical attributes and in an evolving sport, this oversight must end. Dominik Szoboszlai being moved around the pitch was unhelpful because he can be one of the best central midfielders in the world but needs a defined position to make his own.The players departing Anfield are weighed down with individual and team trinkets, thanks to the success they have enjoyed with Liverpool. Arguably, the influence of Salah and Andy Robertson on the pitch waned in their final season with the club but their experience and winning mentality will be a huge loss to the dressing room and training ground. Ibrahima Konaté is another exiting, providing a recruitment headache the club were not fully anticipating. It does beg the question if it is the right time to allow Alisson Becker, who has suffered from injury problems in recent times, to be sold and allow a new generation to start afresh, with Virgil van Dijk leading the transition. There are plenty of potential internal candidates who can take on greater responsibility but it may require a change in transfer strategy to acquire players in their late-20s with Champions League experience to help give the right balance.Defensive Rebuild: Addressing Key DeparturesKonaté's contract expiration will be softened by Jérémy Jacquet's impending arrival but further investment is required. Van Dijk's longevity is unknown so finding a partnership for the long term will be critical; a more rugged centre-back like Nottingham Forest's Murillo could be an ideal choice to offer balance and greater aggression. Competition for Milos Kerkez will be important, but if Andoni Iraola does take the job the reunion could get the best out of the Hungarian and get him to flourish after a mixed first year on Merseyside. On the opposite side, continuity would help everyone because Slot was forced to trying numerous people in the role, many out of position. Ideally, Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong can make it their own, having struggled to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, although both have suffered with injury problems. If they can stay fit, they both possess the quality to be a solution, especially if clever coaching can embrace their attacking prowess and incorporate more defensive discipline.Future Outlook: Rebuilding the AttackSlot insisted that new wingers would change the dynamic next season but he will not be the one to benefit. Salah is off, Federico Chiesa cannot carry on as a bit-part, so will almost certainly leave too, freeing up some space on the flanks. Rio Ngumoha offered brief teenage glimpses of excitement as someone with the pace and trickery to get past full-backs. Frimpong, brought in as a right-back, was more often found on the wing because he possessed the speed Slot desired in those areas, while also offering a further indication that the transfer dealings left a lot to be desired. They did not replace the maverick tendencies of Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo has never looked a natural winger. Targeting new wide men will be imperative. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, Brighton's Yankuba Minteh or Athletic Club's Neco Williams would be ideal candidates to bring thrust to a side lacking dynamism and get supporters off their seats.

Martin Parr—renowned for documenting the idiosyncratic corners of British life—was given a farewell as unconventional as his work. On 31 May 2026, the chapel at Woodlands Memorial Garden near Bristol hosted a colourful country‑fete celebration, complete with music from The Girl from Ipanema, bunting, and a bus that famously got stuck in the mud. The Fete‑Style Send‑off That Defied Funeral Norms The ceremony blended solemnity with the photographer’s trademark humour. Guests were served cling‑film‑wrapped sandwiches, cupcakes with tiny Union Jack flags, and a tombola of unwanted Christmas gifts—an homage to the annual auction the Parr family used to run. The event was organised with help from the Martin Parr Foundation and featured a collaborative food installation by Ellen Parr (the photographer’s daughter) and set‑designer Alice Hodge. Key Players and Personal Touches Grayson Perry – celebrated artist and longtime friend, described the service as “tasteful, pared‑back and very touching.” Sophie Green – photographer who documented the funeral, linking the occasion to her “Death Rituals” project. Helô Pinheiro – the original “Girl from Ipanema,” whose music featured in the playlist. Family – Susie Parr, Martin’s wife of 40 years, confirmed he would have wanted the ceremony photographed. Why Parr’s Funeral Resonates in the Photography Community Parr spent half a century turning the mundane into visual satire; his own send‑off mirrored that ethos. By inviting a photographer to capture the event, the family highlighted a long‑standing taboo—funeral photography—while honoring Parr’s fascination with death rituals, evident in his 1993 Indonesian funeral series and the 2013 Photographers’ Gallery exhibition. What This Means for Future Death‑Ritual Documentation Sophie Green’s involvement underscores a growing interest in recording funerary moments as cultural artifacts. She notes that, on average, she photographs five funerals a year, a figure that may rise as artists and families seek more personalized memorials. The blend of celebration and documentation at Parr’s funeral could inspire a new genre where mourning and festivity coexist, reshaping how societies view death. Looking Ahead: From Taboo to Tribute As the conversation around death becomes more open—accelerated by pandemic‑era restrictions—events like Parr’s funeral suggest a shift toward inclusive, creative rituals. Institutions such as the Martin Parr Foundation may increasingly support projects that capture these moments, offering both solace to grieving families and valuable visual records for future generations.

The Champions League Final ShowdownParis Saint-Germain emerged victorious in the 2026 Champions League final, successfully retaining their European crown at the expense of Arsenal. The French giants demonstrated their dominance on the continental stage once again, breaking English hearts with their triumph.Key Moments of the FinalThe match was a tightly contested affair with both teams showcasing their quality. PSG's experience in finals proved decisive as they navigated the pressure of defending their title against a determined Arsenal side.Historic Achievement for PSGThis victory marks a significant milestone in PSG's history, establishing them as a dominant force in European football. The club's ability to retain the Champions League title places them among the elite teams in the competition's history.Arsenal's European HeartbreakFor Arsenal, this defeat represents another near-miss in their pursuit of European glory. The Gunners have now fallen short in multiple finals, continuing their quest for that elusive Champions League trophy.Future ImplicationsPSG's triumph will likely strengthen their position in European football and potentially impact transfer strategies for both clubs. Arsenal may need to reassess their approach to European competitions after this latest setback.

The Lead: Unprecedented Cancer Treatment SuccessDoctors have hailed "unprecedented" trial results that show a triple-action cancer jab can eradicate entire tumours in patients. In an international trial spanning 11 countries, the injection was offered to patients whose cancer had spread or come back and whose disease had failed to respond to other treatments.The Breakthrough: Amivantamab's Triple-Action ApproachThe jab, called amivantamab, shrank the tumours of more than a third of patients, with dramatic changes seen within weeks. In 15 of them, doctors found the drug had melted away their tumours altogether.The smart jab targets cancer in three ways. It blocks both EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a protein that helps tumours grow, and MET, a pathway that cancer cells often use to escape treatment. It also helps activate the immune system to attack the tumour.The Clinical Trial Data: Impressive Response RatesIn the trial, 102 patients with head and neck cancer, the world's sixth most common cancer, were given the jab. Tumours shrank or disappeared completely in 43 patients, including 28 whose tumours shrank significantly and 15 who saw them eradicated entirely.Patients receiving amivantamab lived for a median of 12.5 months overall after starting treatment, despite having a form of cancer with very poor outcomes, once standard treatments stop working.The Impact Analysis: New Hope for Treatment-Resistant CancersKevin Harrington, professor in biological cancer therapies at the Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), said: "These are unprecedentedly strong responses in patients whose disease has become resistant to both chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This is a group of patients for whom treatment options are extremely limited, so seeing this level of benefit is very striking."Researchers also highlighted that the trial focused on people with head and neck cancers that did not include those with human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. That is particularly significant, they said, since head and neck cancers not caused by HPV are usually harder to treat, making progress in this group hugely important.The Patient Experience: Transforming Quality of LifeOne of the first patients to benefit was Carl Walsh, 56, who was diagnosed with tongue cancer in May 2024 and joined the OrigAMI-4 trial at the Royal Marsden in July 2025. "I was initially treated with both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which unfortunately were not successful," he said. "At that point, I was recommended for the OrigAMI-4 trial. I'm now on my 17th cycle of treatment and I'm very pleased with the progress so far."Unlike many cancer treatments, amivantamab is given as a tiny jab under the skin rather than via an intravenous drip, making treatment quicker and more convenient for patients and much easier to deliver in outpatient clinics.The Future Outlook: Expanding Treatment ApplicationsThe results will be presented on Sunday in Chicago at the world's largest cancer conference, the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (Asco).Amivantamab, developed by Johnson & Johnson, is now being evaluated in about 60 clinical trials, primarily for lung cancer, but also for colorectal, brain and gastric cancers.Prof Kristian Helin, the chief executive of the ICR, said: "This study demonstrates how the development of new treatments through rigorous cancer research may lead to meaningful advances, even for patients with very limited treatment options. Achieving this level of tumour response and encouraging survival outcomes in such a challenging-to-treat group represents a significant step forward."