From spontaneous mass singing after a terror attack to Irish laments, music reflects the painful, complex and laborious task of mourning.
Making death masks of notorious criminals was common in the 19th century, such as this cast of murderer William Burke at the University of Edinburgh’s Anatomy Museum.
David Cheskin/PA
Imagine this situation: a person has no medical illness but wishes to end his or her life purely because he or she no longer wishes to live. Should they be eligible for euthanasia or assisted suicide?
We use euphemisms about death and dying to soften the blow of the real words, or because we feel awkward being direct. But this can lead to misunderstanding and confusion.
Chuck Berry has died age 90, rightly remembered as the legend who shaped rock and roll. But his misdeeds can’t be ignored in the rush to glorify an icon.
Australia’s snakes, spiders and other venomous critters tend to strike fear in many people. But is Australia’s reputation as a nation of deadly creatures deserved?
Thankfully, defleshing bones has fallen out of fashion.
US scientist Robert Ettinger beside an antique cryostat at the Cryonics Institute. When Ettinger died, he was frozen and stored at the institute.
CRYONICS INSTITUTE
Visiting Professor in Biomedical Ethics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford