Artist’s impression shows a sunset seen from the super-Earth Gliese 667 Cc. The brightest star in the sky is the red dwarf Gliese 667 C, which is part of a triple star system.

The insanity defense is often an option of last resort rather than a lenient alternative to imprisonment. Douglas LeMoine

By Meron Wondemaghen, University of New England

The cost of a degree just keeps rising. Is it still worth it? Shutterstock

By Robert Reich, University of California, Berkeley

The early admissions deadlines for universities across the country have come and gone, and acceptance letters are on their way. But with the cost of a four-year college education rising an average of 5% a year, many students and parents are likely wondering whether the cost of a degree is worth it.

A woman sniffs a glass of wine during a tasting event in Beijing. Reuters

By Pierre Ly, Puget Sound University and Cynthia Howson, University of Washington

China’s wine industry has exploded in recent years, with the number of wineries more than doubling over the past decade, propelling the country past Australia to become the world’s 7th-largest producer. What is driving this fast-paced growth and is the quality of Chinese wine improving?

The Greeks hailed Dionysus (also known as Bacchus) as their patron god of wine, said to provide ecstasy and spiritual vision to his devotees. Pictured is Caravaggio's 1595 masterpiece Bacchus. Wikimedia

By Robert Fuller, Bradley University

By Lisa Regan, University of Liverpool

The magi, as you know, were wise men – wonderfully wise men – who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents.