Science
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The four big reasons to be happy this Thanksgiving
Today Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, a day of gratitude for life’s blessings. In the holiday spirit, The Day offers four surprising reasons to be cheerful as 2011 draws to a close.
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Giant ice cube to fight climate change in Mongolia
Scientists in Ulan Bator are trying a radical new technique to keep the city cool during its boiling summers: constructing one of the world’s biggest blocks of ice.
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Facebook to be sued over ‘Orwellian’ spy software
New computer programs that automatically recognise people in photos are worrying privacy campaigners, who say the technology could become a tool of oppression.
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After nuclear meltdown, reactor is safe, says Japan
Eight months after a massive tsunami destroyed its key nuclear power plant, Japan is now saying that the site is under control. Why did we rush to predict Armageddon at the time?
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Exhibition uses art to show beauty of maths
Artists in Paris, including film-maker David Lynch, have been being inspired by a group of top mathematicians. Maths and art may have a surprising amount in common.
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Blockbuster movie aims to spread fear of pandemic
Disaster film 'Contagion' has been praised for its frightening portrayal of a virulent disease outbreak. Scientists warn that this fictional horror is a real life threat.
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New research confounds climate sceptics
A conservative foundation has unwittingly funded a study that proves climate change is real. What will this mean for the future of our planet?
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Vaccine could spell the end for malaria
After decades of research, scientists have made a breakthrough in the fight against malaria. A new vaccine halves the risk of catching the devastating disease.
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Motorsport shocked by crash death in $5 million race
The excitement of Dan Wheldon's last IndyCar race turned to tragedy on Sunday as fifteen cars crashed, ending his life and sporting career. What's the right balance between thrills and safety?
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Monkeys move virtual limbs using brainwaves
A new brain implant has allowed monkeys to move virtual arms and to feel physical sensations from objects inside a computer. It's a major step towards fully functioning artificial limbs.
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Rescuers race to halt oil spill before the storm
The first oil from a wrecked container ship has washed up on the New Zealand coastline. Not for the first time, natural beauty is threatened by humanity's thirst for fossil fuels.
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Mental health gets a global campaign boost
Millions worldwide suffer from mental health disorders, but only a minority will receive treatment, especially in poorer countries. World Mental Health Day is pushing for more investment.
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World’s most powerful telescope turns to the stars
The Alma sub-millimetre array, a huge telescope made of dishes spread over miles of Andean desert, has captured its first extraordinary images, shedding new light on the birth of stars.
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Internet to become ‘global brain’, says billionaire
When Yuri Milner invested $200m dollars in Facebook people said he was crazy. Since then he has got it right again and again. Now he has made his boldest prediction of all.
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Treasure hunters find £150 million booty
A British steam ship, sunk during World War II, has been found in the Atlantic, along with a huge cargo of silver bullion. It's one of the biggest treasure hauls of all time.