Science
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Dozens killed in Guatemala volcano disaster
Should we all worry about volcanoes? On Sunday, Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted, killing at least 60 and injuring hundreds. Other long-dormant supervolcanoes could be even more devastating.
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Vaccines deployed as Ebola strikes the Congo
Can we end the scourge of global pandemics? Dozens have died as a fresh Ebola outbreak hits central Africa. The lives of potentially thousands more depend on a new experimental vaccine.
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Laurel, Yanny and 2,000 years of philosophy
Is there such a thing as reality? The internet erupted in an ear-splitting debate this week — all thanks to a mysterious recording. Science has since cracked the case, but deeper riddles remain.
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The volcano burning through homes in Hawaii
Would you live near a volcano? In Hawaii, 26 homes have been destroyed by molten hot lava spewing from the ground near the mighty Kilauea. Around 1,700 residents have been forced to flee.
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After 40 years, DNA tests trap serial killer
Should police have access to DNA databases? Last month, detectives in California caught a serial killer by using DNA information on a genealogy website. Privacy advocates are disturbed.
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Toxic air linked to millions of early deaths
How worried should we be about air pollution? A worldwide study has found that over 90% of the planet’s population breathes polluted air. In some extreme places, the fumes could be fatal.
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Australia bids to save Great Barrier Reef
Can money save the Great Barrier Reef? Yesterday, the Australian government promised to spend £275 million to save the dying ecosystem. But many argue this is tackling the symptom, not the...
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Campaigners welcome ban on plastic straws
Could Britain’s fight against plastic lead the way to other reforms? For some, the UK shows that humanity really can act to protect the Earth. For others “plastic politicians” are the problem.
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Students in ‘dangerous world’ of smart drugs
What should we do about smart drugs? University students are risking their health by using potent prescription pills to boost their grades. Now the worrying trend is seeping into schools.
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Choking oceans fuel calls to ban plastic
Time to ban plastic? A report released yesterday claims the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean could treble by 2025. Animals and humans alike are set to suffer the consequences.
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Spring: ‘a spirit of youth in every thing’
Is there anything better than British springtime? Tomorrow marks the official beginning of the new season. It is a time of renewal that has inspired poets and artists for centuries…
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The true courage of science’s brightest star
What can we learn from Stephen Hawking? Superstar physicist, renowned writer and inspiring teacher — Hawking achieved all this despite huge adversity. Some see a life lesson for us all.
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Hawking: physicist, optimist, prophet of doom
Was Stephen Hawking right to predict the end of the world? The visionary physicist urged humans to colonise space to save themselves from inevitable destruction. Is this science or sci-fi?
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Flying cars lift off in fight for the future
Would you rather zoom through a vacuum at the speed of sound or soar through the air in your own car? The world’s most powerful entrepreneurs are battling to invent the future of transport.
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Positive thinking accused of causing misery
Are we too optimistic? Most people think their lives will be better in five years time, but new data suggests otherwise. Some think our obsession with “positive thinking” is doing us harm.