Articles
Nobel needs to get back to basics
Alfred Nobel created his prizes to honour those who greatly benefit mankind, yet the science prizes increasingly reward research with no real benefits for most.
How the humble pencil could write the future of energy
Researchers have dreamt for decades of finding a superconductor that works at room temperature and a team in Germany has come up with a startlingly simple solution.
Something's wrong, Einstein's right
Einstein's century-old vision of the nature of space-time should be showing its age by now. But the failure of the latest attempts to reveal its flaws is now causing mounting consternation among theorists, as Robert Matthews writes
The start of life as we know it?
As Nasa's latest Mars rover settles into its two-year mission, scientists hope it will answer key questions about the existence of life on the Red Planet. But some believe it could also confirm theories that our own origins lie on that dusty, distant world.
Could food cravings be addiction?
Being overweight in the UAE is no laughing matter. As if carrying extra kilos around in 45 degree heat wasn't bad enough, it seems everyone is on your case.
Crazy summer is a result of 'global weirding', not warming
Flash floods in Europe and India, devastating heatwaves across the USA, and even the British summer is wetter - all because of a change to the northern jet stream.
Stonehenge reveals its secrets
It's the most popular site to watch the sun rise on the summer solstice, yet new research suggests those who built Stonehenge were more interested in midwinter.
Venus's solar transit will reveal so much
On Wednesday, Venus's last solar transit until 2117 takes place. Scientists have plenty to learn from watching its passage, writes Robert Matthews.
Still in its cage: the wonder fuel of the future
Methane found in frozen water may be either the wonder fuel of the future, or another potent greenhouse gas.
Why E may not equal MC squared
Every so often, nature reminds scientists that they're not as smart as they think.
Sunflower seeds and square roots
Admirers of the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who look for proof of his theories in constellations and even Tunisia¿s Great Mosque. have turned their attention to horticulture.
False findings show a scientific truth
Scientific revolutions are rare, and two in one year always seemed like a bit of a stretch.
Big Data faces up to patterns that aren't
What if the details of your life picked out by data-miners are nothing more than a statistical mirage?
When should scientists stay schtum?
Fears over terrorists creating weapons from highly deadly form of bird flu.
Hysteria, and why it is so catchy
Is hysteria really infectious? A case in a New York high school may offer new clues, doctors say.
