Science
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Debate rages as first designer babies born
Should gene editing be banned? Chinese scientist He Jiankui claims to have created the world’s first gene-edited babies. The research, banned in many countries, has been widely condemned.
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‘Fake’ burger that could save the world
Is a meat-free diet the best way to preserve our planet? As Tesco launches vegan burgers that look and taste like meat, scientists declare that we should all adopt a plant-based diet.
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‘Attenborough has betrayed the living world’
Is this criticism fair? Environmentalist George Monbiot has denounced Sir David Attenborough, claiming his films do more harm than good. Attenborough’s new series,...
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New questions over Google’s ‘do no evil’ pledge
Is Google a force for good? Yesterday, staff around the world walked out of the tech giant’s offices over its handling of sexual misconduct claims. Does the company have a dark side?
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Book reveals Hawking’s last warning to humanity
Is humanity in danger? Genetically modified superhumans, climate chaos and an AI apocalypse — Stephen Hawking’s final book, which was published yesterday, predicts a future full of peril.
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Bacon roll: 0, Avocado: 1 as radio ad banned
Is the ban patronising? Regulators have axed a Costa Coffee advert for characterising avocados as a “poor breakfast choice”, and promoting bacon rolls. Not everyone was pleased by the move.
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We believe in miracles say 72% of young people
Are miracles possible? According to a new survey, three in five British people think miracles can happen. If so, it could explain the remarkable survival story of baby Lily Groesbeck.
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I, Hunter: how a name can change your life
How much do they matter? The most popular baby names of 2017 have been revealed. Studies show that what you are named can influence everything from your exam results to your face.
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US scientists crack secrets of personality
Should we pay attention to personality tests? American scientists have used big data to split humanity into four distinct personality types. Science like this has a controversial history.
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How Apple became the first $1 trillion company
Can it stay on top? Yesterday, Apple unveiled a range of new iPhones. The original handset was launched in 2007, sparking a phenomenon that made Apple the global tech superpower it is today.
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What humble termites teach us about humanity
Should we be more like termites? The insects are one of Earth’s most successful species. And philosophers and scientists have found some surprising parallels between their society and ours.
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AI is bigger threat than terror, says scientist
Is artificial intelligence the greatest threat to humanity? The incoming president of the British Science Association believes that AI is more dangerous than climate change or terrorism.
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The hunt is on for a dark force of nature
Is the search worth it? Scientists are launching an experiment to find a mysterious fifth force of nature. If they find it, it will give us an insight into the unseen world of dark matter.
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Lift off! Historic probe hurtles towards Sun
Could NASA’s probe unlock the secrets of the Sun? Yesterday, the Parker probe took off on its mission to explore one of the most violent and mysterious areas of our solar system.
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Marie Curie hailed most world-changing woman
Is science the greatest historical force? Pioneering chemist Marie Curie has topped a poll of the world’s most influential women. She is joined by many other trailblazing female scientists.