Latest Stories
-
Leap year babies celebrate birthdays at last
Today is a ‘leap day’ – an extra day inserted into the calendar in an effort to keep the seasons from slipping out of sync. Even today, keeping dates in line with nature takes constant...
-
Missing piece of science puzzle may have been found
The science world is buzzing with gossip. Researchers at CERN, it is whispered, have solved one of the great riddles of physics: has the mysterious Higgs boson come to light at last?
-
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.
-
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?
-
Discovering the world’s favourite numbers
A maths expert wants to find out about our favourite numbers. What's yours? Why? And what do the answers reveal about individuals and even national cultures?
-
Counting qubits: computing at the edge of reality
Scientists in America are celebrating an exciting new invention. If the 'quantum computer' can be made to work, we might be on the brink of a technological revolution.
-
America’s confidence crisis – a ‘Sputnik moment’
Faced with economic and political woes at home, the US is nervous about remaining the world's only superpower. Rational fear or psychological wobble?
-
Banks get a sharp slap on the wrist
The UK government has announced a new, higher, levy on banks. The Chancellor says this is a 'fair contribution.' Is he right?
-
Spate of accidents adds to Olympic headache
Builders working at the 2012 Olympic site have been suffering high rates of injury, and that's just the latest bad news. Is the Olympics really worth it?
-
Britons in the red - personal debts and expensive loans
Debt advice services face cuts as MPs debate better regulation of lenders who target the desperate. But should we do more to help ourselves?
-
Records smashed as football clubs spend big
As the football transfer window ends, some clubs have spent millions on new players. Money might buy success, but is it fair?
-
UK economy stalls: what will get the engine running?
Freezing weather in December brought economic growth to a standstill. But even in normal conditions, there are doubts about a private sector 'kickstart' to the recovery.
-
Rage as ‘greedy bankers’ take bonuses
Despite widespread blame for our economic woes and a renewed outbreak of banker bashing, top financiers are due for another bumper year.