Latest Stories
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The plumber who restored our faith in humanity
Does giving make us happier than getting? James Anderson’s simple act of charity has touched a deep chord all over the world. Evidence proves that we are wired to be good, say scientists.
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Revealed: sunflowers are social creatures
Should plants have rights? Scientists increasingly think of plants as intelligent creatures. New studies show they can tell each other apart, and use 20 senses to understand their environment.
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Teenager goes blind after living off chips
Has modern society forgotten how to eat? We know that, despite hardships, many of our Stone Age ancestors enjoyed a great diet. Today, we live in luxury but lose touch with necessities.
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Scientists create first human-monkey hybrid
Should animals ever be part-human? Faced by a deadly shortage in human organs for life-saving operations, our only hope may be animals with human DNA. But there are serious ethical concerns.
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Humpback whale ‘swallows’ sea lion whole
Is nature competitive or co-operative? A rare image of a sea lion flailing in the jaws of a humpback whale is not what it appears to be — challenging our ideas about survival of the fittest.
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Stormzy rocks at the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’
Do experiences matter more than things? According to millions of posts today, this year’s Glastonbury Festival will be the memory of a lifetime for many fans. Is this part of a deeper trend?
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USA accused of running concentration camps
Are the detention centres along the southern US border “concentration camps”? Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has sparked a row over language and history by saying that they are.
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Toy Story 4 explores what it means to be alive
Why are we alive? This is the surprisingly existential question posed by a new character in Toy Story 4, released today. The new film tells the story of a plastic spork that comes to life.
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Call for cyberwar rules as US attacks Russia
Does the world need new rules of war? Yesterday, we learned that the US has placed malware deep in Russia’s power grid. Elsewhere, most of Argentina was mysteriously plunged into darkness.
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The struggle for the true meaning of Pride
Should Pride be a protest or a party? We are halfway through LGBT Pride Month. But alongside the parades and celebrations, there are fears that hard-won gay rights are under threat.
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We are built to believe, say scientists
Do humans need spirituality? An intriguing study has found that 71% of atheists believe in the supernatural. Why is belief so pervasive, even as we abandon traditional religion?
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Abortion, America and a history of #sexstrikes
Earlier this month, the movie star Alyssa Milano suggested that women go on a #sexstrike in response to new laws restricting abortion in Georgia. But is it really a good idea?
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Amazon faces facial recognition rebellion
Shareholders of Amazon will demand, today, that the company stops selling its system to the police. It is simply too powerful and invasive, they say. Is facial recognition going too far?
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Music, peace and a flicker of hope in Israel
Can Eurovision help solve the Israel-Palestine conflict? An absurd suggestion, perhaps. But, this weekend, all eyes are on Tel Aviv as it hosts the world’s biggest, glitziest talent contest.
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Alabama passes USA’s strictest abortion ban
Alabama’s new bill would outlaw abortion from the moment of conception, even in cases of rape and incest. It has sparked global outrage and fear for the future of women’s rights in America.