Latest Stories
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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.
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Mars, meat, monkeys: the best science of 2018
Will they change the world? 2018 has been a year of fascinating experiments and mind-blowing discoveries in science. We take a look at five of the best from the past year…
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Meet Space Force, Trump’s new military branch
Is a new force to protect America in space a good idea? Launching this week, Donald Trump says it will keep the US ahead of China and Russia, but some fear the militarisation of the cosmos.
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You could soon be taking holidays in space
Would you be a space tourist? Virgin Galactic has launched a revolutionary new aircraft to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere — it could take tourists into space as early as next year.
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Visionary or villain? The enigma of Elon Musk
Is he a role model? Elon Musk has blasted US regulators for forcing him to pay a $20 million fine after accusing him of fraud. His behaviour has grown increasingly erratic in recent months.
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Hell on Earth: California wildfire kills dozens
Will the blaze spark action on climate change? At least 42 have died in the deadliest inferno in California’s history. Scientists claim that global warming will only make wildfires worse.
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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,...