Science
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Climate chain reaction risks hothouse Earth
Can we limit global warming to just 2C? Scientists have warned of catastrophic and “irreversible” climate change if temperatures keep rising. The tipping point may come sooner than we think.
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At last! Scientists find 12-mile lake on Mars
Is there life on Mars? After decades of study, a body of liquid water has finally been detected on the Red Planet. The discovery raises exciting possibilities for our search for alien life.
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Terminate! Scientists vow to block killer bots
Should we ban killer robots? Thousands of artificial intelligence experts have declared they will never build autonomous army robots. Some fear an AI arms race could spark a third world war.
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Moral storm as designer babies get green light
Is it ethical to genetically engineer humans? A top bioethics council has declared gene editing of human embryos “morally permissible”. Some fear the social consequences could be disastrous.
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The new test unlocking the secrets of death
Would you want to know when you are going to die? Scientists have developed a test that can tell how fast your body is ageing. Some think facing death is the key to living a meaningful life.
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Happy Birthday NHS! Now bring on the robots
Will technology save the NHS? The National Health Service turns 70 today, but tight budgets and surging demand have put its future in doubt. Here are five ways futuristic tech could help.
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The modern twists on an ancient sun festival
Should we all celebrate the summer solstice? Pagans descended on Stonehenge this morning to celebrate the longest day of the year. Some think we all could benefit from a little sun worship.
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The British mammals facing total wipe out
Should animals have the same rights as humans? A new study claims a fifth of Britain’s wild mammals may be extinct within a decade. With humans largely to blame, some want urgent action.
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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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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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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.