Latest Stories
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Scientists build ‘complete’ bionic man for TV
He may not be much of a looker, but Rex walks, talks and moves much like a human being. Every inch of his ‘body’ is artificially engineered. Will we soon build humans from scratch?
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Fear of flying grounds UK transport chief
Transport minister Patrick McLoughlin has made an embarrassing confession: he is afraid of flying. Should we try to overcome our fears or can terror teach important lessons?
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Mental health strained by mock Mars mission
They were six of the most resilient astronauts around. But trapped in a room for 17 months on a simulated voyage to Mars, their minds began to crack. Are we too fragile for life off-planet?
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Intelligent fork steals limelight at gadget show
Today in Las Vegas, techies are flocking to the world’s biggest gizmo trade show. Some of the thousands of inventions will radically change our lives. But will it be for the better?
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Psychologists label young people ‘narcissists’
For decades, psychologists have believed that ‘self-esteem’ is crucial to a happy, successful life. But new research suggests that this may have backfired: are we becoming vain egomaniacs?
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A fresh start in sight for January 2013
With the new year drawing closer, millions of people will be planning their resolutions for 2013. Are these goals an admirable shot at self improvement, or a waste of time?
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Shops create panic to encourage retail rush
As Christmas approaches, millions of shoppers will head to the malls and high streets. Many dread the sensory overload of gift buying – but it might make us more likely to part with our cash.
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Judge who praised burglar’s ‘courage’ reprimanded
‘It takes a huge amount of courage to burgle someone’s home,’ Judge Bowers told a court last month. Complaints flooded in from the public – but did the judge have a point?
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Dating sites boom as love moves online
A new survey reveals the dramatic growth of internet dating. Why are so many people turning to the web in search of relationships – could this be the end of romance?
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Journalist learns African language in 22 hours
A new website combines modern science and ancient techniques to pack vast amounts of information into your brain. But in the age of the internet, does memory really still matter?
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Researchers book appointment with death
Scientists say a new blood test can determine how long a life we can expect if we die by natural causes. Do we want to be told when to expect the Grim Reaper?
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‘Omnishambles’ judged 2012’s defining word
The Word of the Year 2012 has been announced. In the UK, it is ‘Omnishambles’; Americans have picked ‘Gif’ as the top term. But do these neologisms make language richer?
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Jessica Ennis triumphs against school bullies
Picked on for being small at school, Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis wowed the world at London 2012. Bullying didn’t hold her back: could it even have spurred her on?
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Cameron’s tough yet tender take on crime
The British Prime Minister has appealed to traditional Conservatives with his call to punish offenders. But he also wants to help criminals go straight. Desperate politics or sensible strategy?
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Singing mice surprise scientists
Scientists now accept that mice, like many animals, can communicate by singing. But now a study has found that they can even teach one another new tunes.