Latest Stories
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A world without humans could be a new Eden
Yesterday, a major UN report warned that a great extinction has begun on Earth, threatening human life. But the planet is a living organism and would thrive without us, say scientists.
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Net zero: Britain must plant billions of trees
The UK should lead the global fight against climate change by cutting greenhouse gasses to nearly zero by 2050, says a powerful independent committee this morning. How realistic is this?
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International climate rebellion launches today
The science is clear: we are facing an unprecedented global emergency according to the protest group Extinction Rebellion. In response, it is starting a week of global civil disobedience.
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The first-ever image of a black hole
This week, scientists released the first-ever picture of a black hole, compiled over the last two years using data from eight telescopes around the world. It is a major landmark in the history...
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NASA’s Parker probe makes daring flyby of Sun
The Parker probe has now completed two flybys of the Sun, coming closer to its fiery surface than any man-made object in history. Could the mission unlock the secrets of the Sun?
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US fires starting gun in new race to the Moon
The US has announced that it will put a woman on the Moon by 2024, sparking a new space race against Russia, China and India. The winner could dominate the next era of human history.
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Huge meteor explosion like 10 atom bombs
The blast happened in December over Russia but has only just been detected. Worryingly, scientists had no idea the meteor was coming. Could there be more and, if necessary, could we stop them?
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Universe is expanding too fast, say scientists
Scientists have found a troubling statistic in their observations of the universe: it is expanding about 9% faster than it should. Why is this happening? And should we be worried about it?
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Freak heat hits UK in record-breaking February
This week saw the hottest winter day in the UK since records began… twice. Many of us have been enjoying the early taste of summer, but should we, in fact, be terrified?
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Thousands of UK teens set for climate strike
Scientists say we have 12 years to avoid climate catastrophe. In response, UK students are skipping school today for climate protests, joining other students around the world.
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Insect extinction threatens ‘collapse of nature’
According to a shock report, Earth’s insects could be wiped out in the next 100 years — with “catastrophic” consequences for humankind. Scientists say drastic action is needed to avert disaster.
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Sub-zero Chicago colder than Antarctica
Extreme weather is back. A polar vortex has sent temperatures in the US plummeting below -40C. Halfway across the planet, baking Australia is set for the hottest January on record.
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Adventure, shipwreck, storms and survival
What can we learn from Ernest Shackleton? Over 100 years ago his ship, The Endurance, sank in the frozen waters of Antarctica. This week, a modern team of explorers is hoping to find it.
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Flying cars and iToilets: welcome to the future
Thousands of glitzy new gadgets have been launched today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Some of the innovations could transform our lives — but not necessarily for the better.
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Race to make Moon Earth’s eighth continent
Should we colonise the Moon? Yesterday morning, China successfully landed a spacecraft on the Moon’s far side. Some say a new age of lunar exploration (and exploitation) is beginning.