Chosen by you
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Baby Yoda takes the internet by storm
Is cuteness a science? The ancient, alien sage has been reborn as an infant in a new Star Wars spin-off. One doctor says that our frenzied reaction to Baby Yoda has a scientific explanation.
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‘Women make better leaders than men’
Are women better leaders than men? Finland is about to have a new female prime minister — the world’s youngest. Around the globe, female leaders are being praised for their inspiring work.
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‘Smart skin’ makes virtual touch a reality
Should touch become digital? A new, thin, wireless skin could allow us to reach through a screen and touch what is on the other side. Are we living in a dream or a nightmare?
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Scientists studying hibernation for humans
Should humans learn to hibernate? A bear can “pause” its body for months on end without suffering any harm. Researchers think this ability, if harnessed by humans, could transform medicine.
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Four inventions that could save the world
Can technology fix the climate crisis? Unless we act now, Earth will be 2C hotter in 2100. Storms will ravage the planet. Southern Europe will be a barren desert. But these four ideas could...
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Dumb people smoke pot. Pot makes you dumb.
Which statement is right? Both? Neither? The argument among experts remains as fierce as ever. Despite extensive research, the truth seems to be tantalisingly still just beyond our reach.
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Gay giraffes, lesbian bonobos and angry humans
Can animals be gay? It’s a question behind a fierce row. Some biologists think sexuality in the animal kingdom is as complex and diverse as that of humans. Others think the claim is nonsense.
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Scientists claim to have reversed time
Is time travel really possible? For centuries, humans have dreamed of leaping into the deep past or distant future. Will we ever do it? The answer lies in one of Einstein’s strangest theories.
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1880 was Britain’s happiest year, says study
Is the research right? Test cricket was a fresh, young sport; Queen Victoria was approaching 50 years on the throne and, apparently, we were the happiest we have ever been.
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Gentle giants of joy, anger, grief and love
Are elephants as emotional as humans? Six died trying to save a young calf from a waterfall in Thailand. Research on elephants is full of examples of the animals behaving empathetically.
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The disturbing rise of racist robots
Are robots racist? AI computers are showing sexist and racist bias. A growing number of experts fear that we have created AI in our own worst image, and it could have awful consequences.
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Humanity could one day live without sleep
What if we never needed sleep? Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that lets its carriers live happily on only a few hours’ sleep, and it could be spreading through the population.
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Mushrooms and 3D printing: green fashion is here
Should we all be wearing mushrooms and pineapple leaves? Our fast-fashion culture is wrecking the planet, so innovative companies are creating sustainable fabrics from unlikely sources.
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Seals, dolphins, porpoises thriving in Thames
Does nature always bounce back? The Thames, declared dead, devoid of oxygen in the 1950s, has been brought back to life by its new marine life — including sharks and the odd, visiting whale.
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Safer, freer: the best time ever to be alive
Is this the best of times or the worst of times to be young? Though many might say neither, several recent studies have made a strong case for both extremes. Read on and see what you think.