Ever seen someone beg a bank teller to waive over-limit fees or extend their overdraft? Following a number of banks being called out on mistreating and mis-selling to vulnerable customers, UK institutions have been ordered to train their staff to empathise with those that are in a tight spot.

Studies show that our ability to empathise has greatly diminished over the last 30 years. It’s due in part to the uptake of smartphones and social media – we’re all too busy thinking about ourselves. But while it might be part of the problem, could technology also be used to make us more empathetic?

While tech has revolutionised purchasing in many retail sectors, the car buying process remains entrenched in the past. Can all-digital dealership Rockar – which offers a convenience normally associated with shopping for clothes or food – bring the auto industry up to speed?

A bit of lipstick can do wonders for your self-esteem, but it seems applying cosmetics can have a whole extra set of therapeutic benefits for Japan’s elderly. Studies have found that putting on make-up can slow the progress of dementia by helping sufferers keep their brains active.