January - 2008 Articles
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US drought 'man-made' says study
31 January 2008
The water shortages gripping the western US are the result of global warming, not natural variations in climate, say hydrologists
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Physicists call for heads to roll over cash cuts
31 January 2008
UK scientists have issued a vote of "no confidence" in funding administrators, as cutbacks deny astronomers access to half the sky
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How to spot a wormhole in space
31 January 2008
Wormholes linking to parallel universes or other regions of space could be identified by the way they affect light, say scientists
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Plastic bottles pose health risk if boiled
31 January 2008
Polycarbonate plastic bottles release more of a cancer-causing chemical after being sterilised in boiling water, say researchers
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Gene pioneer signs his synthetic DNA creation
31 January 2008
Craig Venter has coded his name, and those of key researchers, into the sequence of the synthetic bacterial genome his lab created
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Smart 'Lego' conjures up virtual 3D twin
31 January 2008
A high-tech construction kit that creates a moving virtual 3D model of itself when manipulated provides a playful interface for computers
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Word nerds capture fleeting online English
31 January 2008
Amateur lexicographers are combing the web for new word trends and documenting our language in unprecedented detail
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Space shuttle Atlantis cleared for lift-off
30 January 2008
The shuttle is set for launch on 7 February to deliver Europe's first permanent space laboratory to the International Space Station
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Bizarre spider scar found on Mercury's surface
30 January 2008
The scar, discovered during the first flyby of the planet by NASA's Messenger probe, is unlike anything else seen in the solar system
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Broken motor replaced on space station's solar wing
30 January 2008
The replacement, made by two spacewalking astronauts, will clear the way for more modules to be added to the outpost
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Corruption is devouring the world's fish stocks
30 January 2008
Corruption and illegal catches are plaguing the global fishing industry say scientists meeting in Washington DC this week
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Suicide warning over clinical trials
30 January 2008
Drugs companies are being asked to psychologically test volunteers for clinical trials in the US over a possible increase in suicide risk
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DNA construction kit self-assembles 3D 'crystals'
30 January 2008
Strands of DNA can be programmed to assemble nanoparticles into 3D structures, pointing towards a new way to engineer materials
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Dark energy makes galaxies keep their distance
30 January 2008
Galaxies today are struggling to clump together against the incredible repulsive power of dark energy, a new study hints
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Artificial letters added to life's alphabet
30 January 2008
Two artificial DNA bases that are accurately replicated by natural enzymes have been created by US researchers
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1918 flu pandemic had a trial run
30 January 2008
An unseasonable outbreak of flu in the summer of 1918 may have immunised some people against the deadlier autumn pandemic
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Surf helps scientists predict volcanic eruptions
30 January 2008
The shock waves generated when ocean waves crash onto the shore can help reveal a build-up of molten rock, say researchers
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SpaceX tests multiple rocket engines for first time
29 January 2008
The company is one step closer to creating a reusable, heavy-lift launcher after a successful multi-engine test of its Falcon 9 rocket
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'Instant bubblewrap' makes for soft planetary landings
29 January 2008
Miniature "airbags" that deploy explosively to protect micro sensors as they land on alien planets are being tested by researchers
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Family ties defy changing society
29 January 2008
Family values may have declined over the 20th century, but we still help our relatives when we can, according to a study of family structure
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Galaxies give birth to stars on cosmic highways
29 January 2008
Galaxies tend to give birth to their stars on the road, while travelling down intergalactic highways towards crowded galaxy clusters
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Shape-shifting robot forms from magnetic swarm
29 January 2008
Swarming robots that use electromagnetic forces to cling together and morph into different shapes are being developed by researchers
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Killer starfish destroy 'richest' coral reefs
29 January 2008
Reefs at the heart of the richest area of coral biodiversity on Earth have been destroyed by crown of thorns starfish, finds a new survey
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Couch potato lifestyle may speed up ageing
29 January 2008
Being inactive in your free time might make you a decade older biologically and more prone to ageing diseases than those who are more active
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Chameleons' colourful flashes are social signals
29 January 2008
Chameleons are famed for changing colour to disappear into their surroundings but research shows they also use colour to attract attention
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Human skin cells hide circadian clock
28 January 2008
Daily activity of a specific gene could help diagnose sleep and circadian disorders, say researchers
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UK astronomers lose prime access to northern sky
28 January 2008
The UK will lose access to its only major telescope in the northern hemisphere after withdrawing support from the Gemini Observatory
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Earth-bound satellite 'nothing to worry about'
28 January 2008
A stricken spy satellite that is falling back to Earth after its power systems failed poses little threat to human life, experts say
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New islands may be forming in the Adriatic Sea
28 January 2008
As crust movements cause Italy to creep slowly eastwards, new islands are growing off the Croatian coast, say geologists
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Radio-controlled sperm 'tap' turns off vasectomies
28 January 2008
A radio-controlled contraceptive valve that could stop and, if needed, restart the flow of a man's sperm is being developed by scientists in Australia
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Space impact creates giant mushroom cloud
28 January 2008
A mushroom cloud rearing 1000 light years above our galaxy's plane may be the aftermath of a gas cloud that dive-bombed the Milky Way
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Invention: Nanotube X-ray enhancer
28 January 2008
This week's patent applications include a way to embed nanotubes in a patient's cells for subtler X-rays, rubbery salts for unconventional batteries, and a startling test for tinnitus
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Twin strands of DNA seek each other out
28 January 2008
The finding that identical stretches of double-stranded DNA attract each other in a crowd could shed new light on how cancers arise
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Ancient bones suggest cavemen wore boots
27 January 2008
Toe bones from a Chinese cave imply that footwear was fashionable at least 40,000 years ago
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Sacking of nuclear official prompts row
27 January 2008
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's decision to close a reactor critical for medical supplies has cost its chief her job
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Bone marrow could stop organ rejection
26 January 2008
How do you stop transplanted organs from being rejected? Bone marrow from the donor may provide the answer
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Virtual world could aid diagnosis of schizophrenia
26 January 2008
A strange virtual world with built-in "incoherencies" could allow doctors to test for cognitive problems in people with the condition
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World's poor are up in arms over food prices
26 January 2008
People are rioting in the streets over the spiralling cost of food, but what is causing the crisis?
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Computer develops its own Pac-Man strategies
26 January 2008
Although the AI program narrowly out-scored average human players, it did not "evolve" certain tactics that humans find useful
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Coffee increases miscarriage risk
26 January 2008
The long-running controversy about whether drinking coffee increases the chance of miscarriage may finally have been laid to rest
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Review: Biobazaar: The open source revolution and biotechnology by Janet Hope
26 January 2008
Biotechnology could benefit from the lessons of open source software, but it's important to recognise their differences, says James Love
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He said, she said
26 January 2008
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Sound solution for cooling chips
26 January 2008
Projecting sound waves into a liquid coolant prevents bubbles forming and increases its ability to chill
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Yo! yo
26 January 2008
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In character
26 January 2008
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Heavy cars
26 January 2008
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Stem cell prospects
26 January 2008
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Dance of death
26 January 2008
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Interview: Keeping an eye on Antarctica
26 January 2008
Bernard Stonehouse first set foot in Antarctica more than 60 years ago and over the past 15 has studied how tourism – and science – is threatening this pristine environment
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Hopes build for eco-concrete
26 January 2008
It eats power station waste for breakfast, and emits little CO2, but has "E-Crete" got what it takes to replace ordinary concrete?
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Climate change genes
26 January 2008
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Comment: More science skills, please
26 January 2008
Industry cannot get the high-calibre science graduates it needs, but Alan Jones has plans to change all that
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Review: Grave Secrets of Dinosaurs by Phillip Manning
26 January 2008
The discovery of a mummified dinosaur with skin and muscle intact is a major boon for science, and more of its secrets are yet to be revealed
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For the record
26 January 2008
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DNA 'nose' sniffs out explosives
26 January 2008
An artificial nose based on a short strand of DNA can detect a range of vapours – including a constituent of TNT
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Gizmo
26 January 2008
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Why vaccines are hard to swallow
26 January 2008
They are among medicine's greatest achievements, so why do so many people fear them? Jim Giles investigates
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The strange anatomy of the brain
26 January 2008
Behind the bizarre and archaic names, brain structure has acquired a profound new significance
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Commentary: Revisiting nature versus nurture
26 January 2008
Comparing individuals who share specific mutations might shed light on the power of environmental intervention, says A C Grayling
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Histories: Mithridates's marvellous medicine
26 January 2008
Fear of poisoning prompted Mithridates the Great to develop a universal antidote and, 2000 years later, doctors were still dispensing it
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The mysterious workings of the rain cloud
26 January 2008
What makes some clouds rain while others merely drift serenely overhead? Mark Anderson sticks his head in a cloud
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It isn't fair!
26 January 2008
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What the *$%£!?
26 January 2008
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Naval architecture
26 January 2008
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Pharaoh's pharmacy
26 January 2008
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Evolution pressed
26 January 2008
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Antarctic volcano gives glacier the slip
26 January 2008
A volcano beneath the ice may be lubricating the base of a nearby glacier, speeding its surge towards the sea
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Editorial: Don't mess with nuclear safety
26 January 2008
The role of a nuclear safety watchdog should be straightforward enough. Not so in Canada
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Chill factor
26 January 2008
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No use crying...
26 January 2008
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House-hunting bees behave like a brain
26 January 2008
A swarm of bees makes decisions about where to set up home in a democratic process that mimics how the brain works
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Is the Pacific splitting in two?
26 January 2008
A new tectonic plate boundary could be forming as the Pacific ocean tears itself in half, say geologists
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Soundbites
26 January 2008
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60 Seconds
26 January 2008
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Italian physicists face backlash over pope protest
26 January 2008
Academics who protested against the pope's plans to speak at an Italian university are facing tough criticism across the country
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Bush decision on sonar a blow for whales
26 January 2008
The US navy can now use sonar in southern California despite restrictions imposed by a judge to protect marine mammals
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Labs get licences to create 'cybrid' embryos
26 January 2008
Human-animal hybrid embryos may shed light on human diseases and provide clues on how to reprogramme skin and other cells
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Editorial: Natural does not mean harmless
26 January 2008
The fact that naturally occurring substances can be just as hazardous as synthetic ones should not be ignored to press the organic case
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Review: The Naked Man by Desmond Morris
26 January 2008
Desmond Morris takes us on a zoological safari of the naked human male
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Review: The International Atlas of Lunar Exploration by Philip J Stooke
26 January 2008
A tour de force account of the human race's exploration of its nearest celestial neighbour
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Feedback
26 January 2008
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The hunt for the Un-universe
25 January 2008
Have we been missing an entirely different kind of matter? Zeeya Merali joins the hunt for unparticles
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Pocket air monitor seeks out the causes of asthma
25 January 2008
The portable gadget analyses a variety of environmental factors to help unravel the triggers for asthma attacks
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Scientists hit back at Catholic church over 'cybrids'
25 January 2008
UK scientists are responding angrily to claims from bishops that a new bill "will allow scientists to create embryos that are half human, half animal"
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Planet spotters seek a watery twinkle in the sky
25 January 2008
Sunlight glinting off alien oceans may help astronomers spot water on other worlds, say researchers
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Hurricane study whips up a storm
25 January 2008
Global warming could decrease the number of hurricanes hitting the US, say researchers – but their findings have been hotly debated
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Has human clone generated stem cells?
25 January 2008
The scientist who recently cloned an embryo from skin cells is now growing some of its cells in the lab – and they might be stem cells
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Morphine may leave babies sensitive to pain
25 January 2008
Giving the drug to premature babies may leave them more sensitive to pain in later life, suggests a study in rats
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Largest asteroid to come near Earth for 19 years
24 January 2008
The 250-metre space rock will venture as close as 1.4 times the Moon's distance on Tuesday – new radar images reveal its lopsided shape
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Comet samples are surprisingly asteroid-like
24 January 2008
Samples of Comet Wild 2 suggest it is made of rocky material, like an asteroid, rather than the fluffy dust expected of a comet
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'Averaging' faces could improve ID card security
24 January 2008
Compiling an average of several images of a face makes recognition software as accurate as a human and could improve security screening
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Human sniffles kill endangered chimps
24 January 2008
Researchers and tourists are killing wild apes by inadvertently giving them colds, a new study shows for the first time
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Supernova 'echoes' are a window to the galaxy's past
24 January 2008
Light reflected from interstellar dust clouds reveals the historic Tycho's supernova as it was 400 years ago
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Inbred humans live to a ripe old age
24 January 2008
An area of Italy where men live for an unusually long time also has high levels of inbreeding, say researchers
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How traffic pollution damages the heart
24 January 2008
People living in polluted areas are more at risk of heart disease – now scientists think they know why
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Bubble-busting sounds could keep chips cool
24 January 2008
Sound waves can boost the efficiency of liquid cooling systems and could help keep computer processors cool in the future
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Pitter-patter of raindrops could power devices
24 January 2008
Rain has been ignored as a source of electricity, but piezoelectric materials can generate charge with every drop
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NASA survey refutes drunken astronaut claim
23 January 2008
An anonymous survey of astronauts and flight surgeons finds no evidence of astronauts flying drunk, in contrast to a previous independent review
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Virgin Galactic unveils model of SpaceShipTwo
23 January 2008
The spaceship may be the first to take paying passengers into space on a regular basis, with test flights to begin later this year
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Scientists find fountain of youth – for yeast
23 January 2008
Genetic tweaks and a low-calorie diet boost the lifespan of a baker's yeast by a factor of 10 – could it work in humans?
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Jupiter's raging thunderstorms a sign of 'global upheaval'
23 January 2008
Towering storms more than 100 kilometres tall have been caught punching up through Jupiter's cloud deck for the first time
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Lazy option is best when waiting for the bus
23 January 2008
A simple formula shows that patience at the bus stop will get you to your destination quicker
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Europe unveils ambitious energy plan
23 January 2008
Proposals to make Europe a world leader in tackling climate change and renewable energy are released by the European Commission
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Is information essential for life?
23 January 2008
Even simple organisms may store data about their environment to help them exploit environmental resources, say researchers
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'Smart heating' fits the bill
23 January 2008
A system which monitors energy prices and adjusts thermostats in response can ease peak loads on power grids and save consumers money
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Guppies sexually harass threatened species
23 January 2008
Invading male guppies may attempt to mate with females of a rival species to prevent them from reproducing, researchers say
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Milky Way's antimatter linked to exotic black holes
22 January 2008
Legions of tiny black holes created during the big bang may lurk at the centre of the galaxy, radiating antimatter
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Did the Higgs boson puff up the universe?
22 January 2008
The elusive particle may have driven the early expansion of the cosmos, say two separate studies
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Girls should get cervical cancer jab, says EU
22 January 2008
The vaccine against the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer prevents deaths and is cost-effective, advises an EU report
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Computer learns to out-munch humans at Pac-Man
22 January 2008
Smart software that plays Ms Pac-Man better than the average human player also highlights weaknesses in artificial intelligence
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New monkey species is already endangered
22 January 2008
A newly discovered species of uacari monkey lives outside protected areas and should immediately be considered under threat, say experts
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Schizophrenia dooms victims to repeat mistakes
22 January 2008
The activity of brain circuits that help you learn from mistakes appears to be blunted in people with schizophrenia
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'Dark field' X-rays reveal bodies in new detail
21 January 2008
A set of simple silicon filters could dramatically improve the quality of X-ray images produced in hospitals and airport checkpoints
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Has Messenger revealed lava flows on Mercury?
21 January 2008
Images of possible lava flows from the NASA spacecraft's recent flyby could provide clues to unlocking the planet's history
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Tremors keep crust-dwelling microbes alive
21 January 2008
Regular earthquakes can provide nutrients for bugs living deep in Earth's crust, and might sustain life on Mars, say researchers
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Origami spaceplane aims for space station descent
21 January 2008
The small paper spacecraft could be launched from the International Space Station and should survive a descent to Earth
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Invention: 3D tissue printer
21 January 2008
This week's patent applications include a way to print body parts in three dimensions, a camera that fits inside the human eye, and a cheap way of desalinating drinking water
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Coffee can double risk of miscarriage
21 January 2008
Pregnant women who have two or more cups of caffeinated drinks a day have twice the risk of having a miscarriage, suggests a new study
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First subglacial eruption found in Antarctica
21 January 2008
The first evidence of a volcanic eruption beneath the Antarctic ice sheet has been discovered by scientists
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Were cosmic strings seen in big bang afterglow?
21 January 2008
Snags in the fabric of space known as cosmic strings may have been detected in the universe's background radiation
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Top 100 weirdest amphibians list launched
21 January 2008
The Zoological Society of London has launched the list to celebrate and conserve the world's weirdest and rarest amphibians
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Rogue stem cells hold clue to melanoma growth
20 January 2008
Stem cells that both trigger melanoma and drive its later growth could be a new therapeutic target, say researchers
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Probiotic bacteria could keep us slim
20 January 2008
Bacteria added to yogurts and other foods may one day allow the body to absorb less fat and cut obesity
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Squirrels 'fake it' to fool would-be thieves
19 January 2008
Watched squirrels that put on a greater show of "hiding" non-existent nuts may understand the intention to steal
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Wi-Fi music polling device takes heat off the DJ
19 January 2008
A new system checks wireless music devices to find out the preferences of party-goers and plays the tunes they are most likely to enjoy
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Super-sensitive BSE tests may not make meat safer
19 January 2008
Would a new generation of tests for BSE prolong the agony for countries trying to rid themselves of the disease?
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'Critter cams' reveal animal secrets
19 January 2008
New tiny video cameras and data storage devices are giving new levels of access to the private lives of our wildlife
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For the record
19 January 2008
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Simple protein makes embryonic stem cells thrive
19 January 2008
Adding a single ingredient to the mix has helped researchers create human embryonic stem cells without destroying embryos
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Solar incentives
19 January 2008
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Chimps' feats
19 January 2008
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Biofuel in question
19 January 2008
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Genius was taught
19 January 2008
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Having what for lunch?
19 January 2008
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Watching over you...
19 January 2008
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Chalk River shuffle
19 January 2008
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Feedback
19 January 2008
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Review: How and Why Species Multiply by Peter R Grant and Rosemary Grant
19 January 2008
Who better to cast light on evolution than Peter and Rosemary Grant, who have spent 35 years studying Darwin's finches in the Galapagos
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Review: Benjamin Franklin's Numbers by Paul Pasles
19 January 2008
Paul Pasles reveals an overlooked side to founding father Benjamin Franklin
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Coal: Bleak outlook for the black stuff
19 January 2008
Reserves of coal were supposed to last for centuries, but rock bottom could come a lot sooner than that. David Strahan reports
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Ice loss is severe at both poles
19 January 2008
The melting of ice in both the Antarctic and Arctic has increased dramatically in recent years, say researchers
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Folk medicine spells doom for reptiles
19 January 2008
Half of the 165 reptile species used in folk remedies around the world are now endangered, according to a new survey
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A Wii warm-up hones surgical skills
19 January 2008
You might think it a bad idea for trainee surgeons to play games on the Nintendo Wii when they should be studying, but it might be time well spent
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Physics reels as the financial axe falls
19 January 2008
Some of the hottest projects in science have been thrown into confusion by funding cuts – how will they cope?
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Rebuilt heart doesn't miss a beat
19 January 2008
The technique could be a new way to save lives as it would allow organs taken from cadavers to be transplanted
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Gizmo
19 January 2008
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The great diet delusion
19 January 2008
It is time for researchers and health authorities to wake up to the fact that people do not get fat simply because they overeat, says Gary Taubes
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Dinosaur teens were keen on sex
19 January 2008
Young female dinosaurs, including T. rex, started reproducing before they were fully grown
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Syphilis came from the Americas
19 January 2008
Genetic data from the Guyana jungle may have settled one of longest disputes in medical history
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Soundbites
19 January 2008
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60 Seconds
19 January 2008
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Life Glue
19 January 2008
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That's the spirit
19 January 2008
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Middle-age spread
19 January 2008
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Reason or religion
19 January 2008
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Digital archiving
19 January 2008
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Lee waves
19 January 2008
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Perspectives: What are the true threats to reason?
19 January 2008
Forget defending science from fundamentalism, New Ageism or astrology, there are far more important challenges to reason, argues Dan Hind
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Science back to school
19 January 2008
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Stove concern
19 January 2008
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Is time an illusion?
19 January 2008
The greatest trick the universe ever pulled was convincing us that time exists. Amanda Gefter breaks the spell
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Beastly tales: Rewriting human history
19 January 2008
We are discovering some surprising things about our ancestors by studying the genes of their animal companions
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How primate porn reveals what we really want
19 January 2008
Racy images of bared bottoms are providing the best clues yet about how our brains weigh up options
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Interview: Out on a limb over language
19 January 2008
Linguist Daniel Everett went to Brazil as a missionary to work with the Pirahã people. Instead of converting them, he lost his faith and his family, and prompted a major intellectual row
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Review: Your Inner Fish by Neil Shubin
19 January 2008
Neil Shubin writes compellingly about the transformation of fish into humans. But evolution isn't the end of the story, says Simon Conway Morris
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Commentary: The end of frontier science?
19 January 2008
Funding war with budget cuts in the US and UK will have a devastating effect on scientific research, says Lawrence Krauss
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Editorial: Investing in science is not just about profit
19 January 2008
When it comes to funding, politicians need to take the long view and consider all the benefits science brings
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Editorial: Supporting role for nuclear power?
19 January 2008
There is a case for nuclear power in tackling global warming, but the future lies with renewables
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What free trade?
19 January 2008
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'Mind-reading' car keeps drivers focused
18 January 2008
Monitoring drivers' brain signals and reducing the dashboard information shown in stressful driving periods could improve road safety
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'Monsters' blamed for extreme chaos in black holes
18 January 2008
Could the scrambled matter found in black holes be explained by chaotic distortions in the fabric of space-time?
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Study reveals sex bias in science
18 January 2008
Women are more likely to have their research published if the referees who review their work do not know their gender
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Learning language with the singalong neurons
18 January 2008
Mirror neurons that help birds imitate the songs of others may work in the same way in humans learning to speak
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Planet diet helps white dwarfs stay young and trim
18 January 2008
Eating up a Jupiter-sized planet means an ageing star could look younger and become less massive, says a US researcher
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Carbon-trading plans could boost nuclear power
18 January 2008
Draft legislation of Europe's new carbon trading scheme brings more good news for the nuclear industry
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Early settlers drained marshy US landscape
17 January 2008
Our notions of the 'natural' eastern US landscape with its meandering, ribbon-like streams may need a rethink, suggests historical research
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Antidepressants' benefits may be exaggerated
17 January 2008
Filing away uninteresting or negative research may have caused our knowledge of antidepressant drugs to become skewed
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First cloned human embryo created from skin cell
17 January 2008
The news brings the medical application of cloning closer, meanwhile UK teams gain license to make clones using human and animal cells
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Malnutrition causing a third of child deaths
17 January 2008
A third of child deaths occur for want of simple vitamins and minerals, and a daily fill of breast milk, say new studies
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Computer decodes dog communication
17 January 2008
Contextual variation in dogs' barks may be a form of "universal language" and could help explain the early domestication of dogs by humans
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Men born short are more prone to violent suicide
17 January 2008
Males that are born short or with low weight have a more than doubled risk of attempting a violent suicide when adults, a study suggests
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Giant Madagascan palm 'flowers itself to death'
17 January 2008
An enormous palm tree discovered by chance on a family picnic turns out to be a new genus
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Corkscrew cups could keep space drinks flowing
17 January 2008
Spiralling ribbons of material that prevent liquids dispersing in microgravity could let astronauts drink their fill with a single suck
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'Pac-Man' molecule chews up uranium contamination
17 January 2008
A molecule which clamps a uranium-containing ion between its "jaws" could lead to methods for removing uranium from contaminated groundwater
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Long legs really are more sexy
17 January 2008
Regardless of their own build, both men and women prefer legs that are longer than the average for their community
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Milky Way's black hole probed closer than ever before
17 January 2008
Radio emission has been detected from within 30 million kilometres of the colossal black hole thought to lie at our galaxy's heart
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DNA 'fabricator' constructs walking DNA
16 January 2008
A revolutionary way to program biochemical reactions has been used to assemble pre-designed molecules to order
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US funds stem-cell therapy for radiation sickness
16 January 2008
The US military has awarded a contract to two biotech firms developing a stem cell treatment to combat the after effects of a nuclear attack
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Upgraded neutrino detector could root out dark matter
16 January 2008
The world's biggest neutrino detector, IceCube, may be augmented to search for signs of dark matter at the Sun's core
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Probe returns first image of Mercury's unseen side
16 January 2008
NASA's Messenger probe has taken its first look at the unseen side of Mercury, revealing strange, dark-rimmed craters in a giant impact basin
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Osteoporosis drug fears may be unfounded
16 January 2008
Claims that the osteoporosis drug Fosamax causes a disease of the jaw have been cast into doubt
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Lead exposure may be a factor in Alzheimer's
16 January 2008
Young monkeys fed lead developed brain plaques in old age similar to those found in Alzheimer's sufferers
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One-tonne rodent discovered in South America
16 January 2008
The 'biggest ever' rodent lived two million years ago in what is now Uruguay, and was larger than a bull, say scientists
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Peanut-shaped comet likely formed in collision
15 January 2008
Comet 8P/Tuttle's oddly familiar shape suggests it formed when two cometary bodies came together and stuck
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Cameraphone used to control computers in 3D
15 January 2008
New software lets camera-equipped cellphones be used to move icons around computer screens in three dimensions – like a Wii controller
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Iron nanobeads can control immune system
15 January 2008
A technique that uses iron nanobeads to form clusters of immune cells in a magnetic field could mean better treatment of allergies and other illnesses
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Columbus blamed for spread of syphilis
15 January 2008
New genetic data backs up the theory that venereal syphilis was carried to Europe from the New World by Columbus and his crew
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Australia rules Japanese whaling illegal
15 January 2008
Australia's Federal Court bans whaling in its Antarctic waters, but the government has not said whether it will enforce the ban
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Messenger spacecraft swings past Mercury
14 January 2008
NASA's probe successfully flew by the tiny planet on Monday – on Tuesday it will begin beaming images and data to Earth
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Fossils reveal dinosaurs had teen sex
14 January 2008
Young female dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus rex, started breeding before they had finished growing to adult size, a new study shows
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Photons orbit black hole 'roulette wheel'
14 January 2008
A black hole's intense gravity may cause individual photons to circle around it for different amounts of time, creating strobe-like flashes
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Scientists regrow heart – and it beats
14 January 2008
Rat hearts have been stripped of their cells, repopulated with fresh ones, and made to beat again in a pioneering experiment
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Graphite pencilled in to replace silicon transistors
14 January 2008
Nanosheets of graphene have been touted as an alternative to the silicon transistor – now it looks as if their multi-layered cousin might be a better bet
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Monkey battles play to home-field advantage
14 January 2008
When monkey troops fight, home advantage can outweigh the numerical superiority of invaders
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Invention: Expressive pen
14 January 2008
This week's patent applications include a pen that really puts your feelings on the page, an artificial self-assembling fly's eye, and a way of tracking eye movements using MRI scans
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Garlic combats arsenic poisoning
14 January 2008
Daily garlic might provide relief for millions of Indians and Bangladeshis whose water supplies are contaminated with the poisonous element
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Interview: From UFOs to space stations
14 January 2008
A real estate billionaire with an active interest in the paranormal, Robert Bigelow might appear an unlikely candidate to transform the space industry. But he is doing just that
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Anti-smoking drug could tempt athletes to cheat
14 January 2008
The drug bupropion can enable athletes to perform better in hot conditions, but experts warn its use could cause heatstroke
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Universal flu vaccine works in humans
13 January 2008
Hopes of a flu vaccine that would protect against all strains of influenza A have been bolstered by human tests
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US scientists tackle evolution deniers
13 January 2008
As creationist politician Mike Huckabee gains prominence, the US National Academy of Science publishes a book explaining evolution
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Flawed NASA survey worth a second look
13 January 2008
A costly air safety survey written off as useless might still yield some useful data, says survey expert
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Cellphones could eat into TV picture quality
12 January 2008
Auctioning off UHF frequencies freed up by the switch to digital TV could lead to poor quality pictures, say experts
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Legal battles threaten nuclear power programme
12 January 2008
Governments on both sides of the Atlantic may face legal hurdles before they can introduce a new generation of nuclear power stations
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Brain 'seismology' helps predict epileptic attacks
12 January 2008
The dynamics of earthquakes and seizures are similar, say researchers – the finding could lead to new ways of predicting the attacks
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Silicon poet pens haiku on demand
12 January 2008
Software developed in Japan can compose classic 17-syllable poems based on the user's keywords
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'Ball-shaped' universe bounces back
12 January 2008
Our universe may be shaped like a dodecahedron after all, according to a new look at the radiation left over from the big bang
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Editorial: It's evolution, stupid
12 January 2008
The US National Academy of Science's latest book uses straight talking to explain why progress in medicine and agriculture would not be possible without an understanding of evolution
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Fuel emissions study 'misleading' claim experts
12 January 2008
Scientists' claims that emissions from cargo ships cool the climate and will continue to do so may be missing a key fact
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Commentary: Would-be traffic herders beware
12 January 2008
Beware congestion reduction schemes that treat vehicles as particles, they're likely to make the problem worse, say A C Grayling
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Review: Biology of Freedom by François Ansermet and Pierre Magistretti
12 January 2008
What do neuroscience and psychoanalysis have in common? Find out in this attempt to bridge the gap between the fields
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No swimming
12 January 2008
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Review: Built by Animals by Mike Hansell
12 January 2008
How do animals make such remarkable constructions? This evolutionary biologist has the answers
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Editorial: Time for revolution in evolution?
12 January 2008
Is the "selfish gene"' really the last word in evolutionary theory? Proponents of group selection are regrouping their forces
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Eye opener
12 January 2008
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Feedback
12 January 2008
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Lounging lizard
12 January 2008
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Mixed news for US agency over emissions
12 January 2008
The beleaguered Environmental Protection Agency gets some rare good news, but the threat of legal action over its carbon targets tarnishes any celebrations
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The great seed blitzkrieg
12 January 2008
During the second world war, Nazi botanists stole large parts of the Soviet Union's seed collection. Fred Pearce investigates
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UK and US labelled 'endemic surveillance societies'
12 January 2008
Grouped together with China and Russia, the UK and US have achieved the lowest possible rating in a report on privacy protection
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Comment: The group delusion
12 January 2008
It is wrong to invoke group selection as an explanation for altruism in social insects, says Richard Dawkins
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Comment: Polar power game reveals surprise winner
12 January 2008
While budgets elsewhere are slashed, Anil Ananthaswamy finds US science alive and well at the new Amundsen-Scott South Pole station
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Gizmo
12 January 2008
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Could lightning strike in space?
12 January 2008
Energetic electrons flung into space during storms may have the potential to disrupt satellites and orbiting spacecraft, say researchers
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Soundbites
12 January 2008
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Did life begin on a radioactive beach?
12 January 2008
Could life's ingredients have emerged among the radioactive sand grains of a primordial beach laced with heavy metals and pounded by powerful tides?
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60 Seconds
12 January 2008
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Perspectives: Meaning and the body
12 January 2008
What we mean by the word "meaning" has important consequences for our whole intellectual tradition. What if we've got it all wrong so far, asks Mark Johnson
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Delegating tasks could ease HIV doctor shortage
12 January 2008
A deficit of doctors in HIV/AIDS-stricken countries could be alleviated if medics assign minor tasks to junior staff or even patients, says WHO
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Randy flies reveal how booze loosens sexual inhibition
12 January 2008
Drunkenness in the "Flypub" leads to homosexual behaviour among male flies – and could show how alcohol affects inhibitions
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Switchgrass revives hopes for biofuels
12 January 2008
A prairie grass produces more than 540% more energy than that needed to produce it and convert it to ethanol, show field studies
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For the record
12 January 2008
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Altruism is no family matter
12 January 2008
Edward O Wilson, world expert on social insects, now says kinship doesn't explain how colonies evolved. Daniele Fanelli investigates
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Is it worth going to the mind gym?
12 January 2008
Brain-training programs are all the rage, but do they boost your cognitive powers in the real world?
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Crusty creation
12 January 2008
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Time police
12 January 2008
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Cat got the cream
12 January 2008
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Only financial bilge
12 January 2008
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More light than heat
12 January 2008
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Son ou lumière
12 January 2008
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Moth myths
12 January 2008
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Panel panacea
12 January 2008
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Theatrophone – the 19th-century iPod
12 January 2008
Clement Ader's invention brought live music and theatre down the telephone and into the home in stereo for the first time
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Energy incentives
12 January 2008
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Fish facts
12 January 2008
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Debunking biofuel
12 January 2008
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Freud's legacy
12 January 2008
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Approximate truths
12 January 2008
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Fighting cancer with filth
12 January 2008
Dirt and infections don't just make you less allergy prone, they can fight off some cancers too
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Giant gas cloud to crash into our galaxy
11 January 2008
A gas cloud weighing a million Suns is hurtling towards the Milky Way – it will likely trigger stellar fireworks after it collides in 20 to 40 million years
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Edible antifreeze promises perfect ice cream
11 January 2008
A tasteless, harmless additive contains proteins similar to those that help some insects survive winter without freezing solid
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The mystery of Planet X
11 January 2008
Something weird is going on beyond Neptune, but Pluto is too puny to blame. Time to call in the planet hunters, says Govert Schilling
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Plastic fibres to bring cheap super-fast broadband
11 January 2008
Homes and businesses across Europe may soon receive ultra-high-speed broadband over cheap plastic optical fibres
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Balloon-borne telescope could image exoplanets
11 January 2008
A telescope in the stratosphere could deliver images of alien worlds impossible to see from the ground – for very low cost
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A little sun might fight cancer
11 January 2008
Sunshine is blamed for causing cancers, but it also protects against some forms by stimulating production of vitamin D
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Sugar-free gum poses a health hazard
11 January 2008
Too much of a sweetener found in many "sugar-free" products can cause severe weight loss and diarrhoea, doctors warn
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What makes the monarch butterfly's clock tick?
11 January 2008
A single protein may control how the butterfly uses the sun and its circadian clock to guide its mammoth migrations
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Breast cancer genes don't have to mean cancer
11 January 2008
Some carriers of genes associated with breast cancer may be at far lower risk of developing the disease than thought
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Probe to fly by Mercury for first time in decades
11 January 2008
On Monday, NASA's Messenger spacecraft will get the first close-up view of the Sun-baked planet since 1975
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Middleweight black holes roam the galaxy undetected
10 January 2008
Hundreds of middleweight black holes may rove the galaxy after being evicted from their homes in star clusters, new calculations suggest
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Elephants keep ants in harmony with tree hosts
10 January 2008
Without large grazers like elephants and giraffes, the cosy relationship between acacia trees and ants breaks down, field studies show
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Bird flu strikes UK wildlife
10 January 2008
The H5N1 influenza virus has been confirmed in dead swans on a nature reserve, raising fears that the virus might be endemic in the UK
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Stem cell breakthrough leaves embryos unharmed
10 January 2008
A technique that isolates human stem cells by extracting a single embryonic cell may overcome ethical objections to such research
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Brain-controlled computer switches on in a heartbeat
10 January 2008
Physically disabled people would be more independent using a brain-computer interface that can be switched on without help
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Biggest black hole in the cosmos discovered
10 January 2008
The behemoth weighs 18 billion Suns – as much as a small galaxy – and provides a new testing ground for general relativity
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Wherever a planet can form, it will, say astronomers
10 January 2008
Astronomers have found an exoplanet where orbital calculations predicted one would be, suggesting planet formation is an efficient process
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Risk of Mars impact drops to 1 in 10,000
10 January 2008
The odds that an asteroid will hit Mars on 30 January have dropped to 1 in 10,000, essentially ruling out an impact
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New study says Iraqi death toll significantly lower
09 January 2008
The number of dead since the US invasion may be far lower than previously claimed, says a team working for the Iraqi Ministry of Health
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Planet collision could explain alien world's heat
09 January 2008
A colossal clash of planets may explain why an alien world 170 light years from Earth is piping hot
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Galaxy's antimatter may leak from black holes
09 January 2008
Gamma-ray emissions suggest that neutron stars or black holes may be a source of positrons, the antimatter counterparts of electrons
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Autumn leaves cling to their colour change secret
09 January 2008
Leaves are thought to change hue in autumn as a pest control signal to insects, but not all the evidence points that way
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Intelligent foam could keep shop shelves stacked
09 January 2008
The foam sensors would let supermarket shelves report when they are empty and could also be the basis for roll-up computer keyboards
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Begging chicks reveal family ties
09 January 2008
Young birds cry more loudly for food if they are competing with unrelated chicks rather than their siblings, a study finds
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Website aims to speed up US broadband availability
09 January 2008
The new wiki-style site will make users' experiences of broadband services and costs public to make up for lack of official information
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Super-hairy plants could battle global warming
09 January 2008
Planting extra-reflective hairy crops that bounce sunshine back into space is the latest proposal to help cool our warming world
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Galaxy's spiral arms point in opposite directions
08 January 2008
The unusual structure of NGC 4622 may be a lingering scar from a tussle with a smaller galaxy that was ultimately swallowed
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Carbon nanosheets promise super-fast chips
08 January 2008
Atom-thick layers of an ingredient in pencils should smash the record for conductivity, making faster electronic devices a possibility
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Upgraded Hubble telescope to be 90 times as powerful
08 January 2008
Astronauts will not only install two new instruments but will also fix two broken ones in an upcoming shuttle mission
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The secret energy store of enzymes revealed
08 January 2008
Enzymes may gather the power to catalyse reactions via a surprising way of locking energy within their structure
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US physics begins to crumble under budget strain
08 January 2008
The reality of $90 million in cuts to high-energy physics research in the US hits home as experiments close and jobs are lost
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Flu deaths run in the family
08 January 2008
Your genes may increase the risks of you dying from influenza, say researchers studying family records
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Transport emissions study 'misleading' say experts
08 January 2008
A study which suggests that shipping emissions have a continuing cooling effect on the world may have missed a key point
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Acoustic 'superlens' could mean finer ultrasound scans
08 January 2008
New materials that bend sound backwards could provide better medical scans, and even earthquake-proof buildings
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Prairie grass revives hopes for biofuels
08 January 2008
North American switchgrass produces more than 540% more energy than that needed to grow it and convert it to ethanol, field studies show
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Physics tool makes students miss the point
08 January 2008
Computer software designed to make physicists more efficient may lure students into focusing on the wrong aspects of scientific problems
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New Year resolutions could add years to your life
08 January 2008
The millions of people resolving to live a healthier life in 2008 can take heart: four simple, healthy behaviours could extend your life by 14 years
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Interview: Fighting for South Africa
08 January 2008
Bernie Fanaroff abandoned his astronomy career in 1976 to organise South African unions against apartheid. Now he is leading the country's bid to host the world's largest radio telescope
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Invention: Personal food analyser
08 January 2008
This week's inventions include a gadget to tell you just what is in that burger, a system to enforce hand-washing in hospitals, and DIY cheese puffs
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'Maverick' sunspot heralds new solar cycle
07 January 2008
A sunspot with a magnetic field pointing in the opposite direction from others signals the start of a new 11-year solar cycle
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Saharan dust clouds could aid hurricane prediction
07 January 2008
The cooling effect of sun-blocking dust clouds blown across the Atlantic may inhibit hurricane formation, say NASA scientists
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'Plantstones' could help lock away carbon
07 January 2008
Grow the right crops, and they could lock away carbon for thousands of years in tiny balls of silica called phytoliths
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Meteor shower's origin remains a mystery
07 January 2008
Unprecedented observations of the Quadrantid meteor shower have not settled the question of where the meteors came from
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Healthy 'restaurant' boosts rare vultures in Nepal
07 January 2008
A facility set up to feed the rare birds carcasses untainted with toxic drugs has almost doubled their numbers locally, conservationists say
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US and UK rival China for government surveillance
07 January 2008
America plunges to the bottom rung of an annual privacy ranking that this year shows a global trend for greater surveillance
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Super-wine might boost lifespan
07 January 2008
Chinese scientists have produced a grapevine six times richer in resveratrol – the compound in red wine associated with health benefits
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Vital signs sensor saves ER patients
06 January 2008
A device that keeps an eye on patients' blood oxygen and heartbeat can flag up deteriorating patients in busy ER wards
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How bacteria tails whip up a thrust storm
06 January 2008
A bug's flicking flagellum is not wild flailing but a subtle technique cunningly exploiting a trick of fluid dynamics
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Stem cell shots rescue terminally ill children
06 January 2008
Patients with graft-versus-host disease have been rescued by injections of stem cells which appear to calm down their immune systems
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US to turn off power-hungry light bulbs
05 January 2008
Incandescent bulbs are to be phased out in the US, thanks to new laws on energy saving
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Boreholes on the Moon could solve climate puzzle
05 January 2008
Drilling into the lunar surface would help gauge how much solar energy reached Earth in historical times, say researchers
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Some sea turtles stay close to home
05 January 2008
The discovery of a population of green turtles that do not migrate vast distances may be a boon to conservation efforts
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Science back to school
05 January 2008
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Ramming icebergs in the name of science
05 January 2008
A dangerous experiment that sails a ship into icebergs could help make polar seas safer for shipping, says Kate Ravilious
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Effective unconscious
05 January 2008
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Careware
05 January 2008
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Wireheads: Healing the brain with electricity
05 January 2008
For some ailing brains, a gentle pulse of electricity can make all the difference. Claire Ainsworth reports
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Unlocking Mercury's secrets
05 January 2008
If you want answers to the solar system's big questions, get as close to the sun as you can, says Stuart Clark
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Commentary: Scientists, show your good side
05 January 2008
Scientists need to oppose faith-based governing by emphasising the ethical side of science, says Lawrence Krauss
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Review: Copernicus' Secret by Jack Repcheck
05 January 2008
The tale of Georg Rheticus, the man who persuaded Copernicus to publish his groundbreaking On the Revolutions
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On soldiering
05 January 2008
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Effective unconscious
05 January 2008
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Name of the feast
05 January 2008
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For the record
05 January 2008
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Reason or religion
05 January 2008
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Laughing matter
05 January 2008
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Biofuels or forests
05 January 2008
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Science back to school
05 January 2008
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Paying for drugs
05 January 2008
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Drugs win prizes
05 January 2008
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Review: Nature's Palette: The science of plant color by David Lee
05 January 2008
Why are roses red and violets blue? Find out in David Lee's tour through the science of plant colour
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Feedback
05 January 2008
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Spy planes to recharge by clinging to power lines
05 January 2008
Can a micro air vehicle land on a power line, disguise itself as innocent trash and suck enough power out of it to take off again?
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Medicine for a sickly world
05 January 2008
Millions die needlessly every year from infectious diseases. With a concerted international effort we can cut the death toll, says Harvey Rubin
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Editorial: Testing the new GM generation
05 January 2008
The next generation of genetically modified plants offers real benefits, but brings new risks, so we need a better way to test their environmental impact
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'Yo' is the word when 'he' or 'she' won't do
05 January 2008
Could a slang word used by kids be the gender-neutral pronoun the English language has been missing?
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Review: Censoring Science by Mark Bowen
05 January 2008
NASA climatologist James Hansen has been at the centre of the political drama surrounding climate change in the US and his story needs telling, says Chris Mooney
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Gizmo
05 January 2008
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Is there a language problem with quantum physics?
05 January 2008
Something is getting in the way of physics' grand unified theory. David Peat wonders if native American thinking could give physics a leap forward
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Could new GM crops please the greens?
05 January 2008
A new generation of genetically modified crops could vastly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Peter Aldhous investigates
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Kitchen calamity
05 January 2008
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Snakes alive
05 January 2008
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Air traffic control
05 January 2008
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Indonesian mud volcano may not be man-made
04 January 2008
An earthquake, not drilling, probably triggered a disastrous eruption of mud, suggests a new analysis
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Blood substitute to be tested in humans
04 January 2008
The product contains a molecule that triggers blood vessel dilation, possibly overcoming some of the previous problems with blood substitutes
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Space shuttle launch likely delayed until February
04 January 2008
Fixing what may be a shuttle design problem will keep European and Japanese lab modules destined for the space station grounded for weeks
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Boron nanotubes could outperform carbon
04 January 2008
Tubes of boron could have many of the same properties as carbon nanotubes, and for some electrical applications, they may even be better
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Google tool could search out hospital superbugs
04 January 2008
Transmission of hospital-acquired infections could be cut using the algorithm Google uses to rank search results, say researchers
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Global warming could harm food quality
04 January 2008
Crops grown in high levels of carbon dioxide produce less protein – a finding that could have an impact on poorer nations
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Possible Mars impact highlights risk to Earth
04 January 2008
A 50-metre asteroid has a 1 in 28 chance of hitting Mars this month – but what if it were hurtling towards Earth instead?
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Parasitic butterflies fool ants with smell
03 January 2008
A beautiful butterfly is able to trick ants into rearing its young by masking them with the ants' own scent - but the ant is fighting back
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Can we stop the internet destroying our planet?
03 January 2008
Recent studies have shown the high environmental cost of computer servers, now the tech titans aim to reduce their impact
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String theory may predict our universe after all
03 January 2008
Slammed for their failure to explain how our particular universe came to exist, string theorists are fighting back
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Airborne astronomers to track intense meteor shower
03 January 2008
Astronomers will track the Quadrantid meteors by plane overnight to see if they are the shrapnel of a celestial explosion witnessed in 1490
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Traffic fumes are still damaging children's brains
03 January 2008
Children exposed to higher levels of traffic pollution performed worse in mental tests – researchers say soot particles are to blame
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Randy flies reveal how booze affects inhibitions
03 January 2008
Male flies that develop homosexual tendencies when drunk may help reveal how alcohol affects human sexual behaviour, say researchers
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Teenage smokers risk badly wired brains
03 January 2008
Exposure to nicotine as a teenager may cause the brain's white matter to develop abnormally, suggest researchers
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Melting ice may not explain warming Arctic
03 January 2008
Energy flowing from the equator up towards the North Pole may partly explain the rapid warming of the Arctic, say researchers
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Robot jaws to get a human bite
03 January 2008
A set of robotic jaws designed to mimic the chewing motion of humans will this year be loaded with accurate copies of human teeth
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First planet discovered around a youthful star
02 January 2008
A planet has been found inside a young star's dusty disc for the first time, confirming that planets can form within 10 million years
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Mysterious death reignites vCJD fears
02 January 2008
The death of a woman genetically distinct from previous vCJD victims may mark the start of a new wave of the disease
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Macaque monkeys 'pay' for sex
02 January 2008
Male macaques 'buy' sex by grooming females, and the cost of sex varies according to supply, suggests a study
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Seventeenth-century couple left US cancer legacy
02 January 2008
A married couple who sailed to America around 1630 may have left their descendants at higher risk of a form of colon cancer
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Cyclists' cellphones help monitor air pollution
02 January 2008
Bicycle couriers have been equipped with wireless sensors that transform their phones into mobile air quality monitors
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Animal lab mishaps 'go unreported'
01 January 2008
New Scientist reveals that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is not recording most accidents in the UK's animal pathogen labs