Latest Stories
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Mutant spider-worms make silk stronger than steel
Scientists in Wyoming have genetically modified the common silk worm so that it produces spider silk – a material that could build anything from body armour to artificial organs.
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2012: The end of the world as we know it?
Following twelve months of unrest, 2012 may prove to be a year of full-scale global crisis. Some experts predict a historic turning point – the start of a new and dangerous era.
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Pagans, priests and presents battle for Christmas
The great debate over the ‘Christmas Spirit’ is back for its annual outing. So what is the festival really all about–religious celebration or presents, family and feasting?
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Death of a tyrant sparks nuclear fears
After 17 years of power, North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-il, has died. His cruel, often bizarre rule will be continued by his son – but what does the future hold for his country?
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Review Of The Year: bright stars extinguished
Many inspiring lives ended this year: the Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, the business genius Steve Jobs, the painter Lucian Freud – to name but three. How should we feel?
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No gay unions here, says Church of England
In the UK, same-sex civil partnerships can now be held in places of worship for the first time – but the Church of England isn’t playing ball. What does the future hold for gay marriage?
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‘Insane’ mass murderer may escape prison term
Anders Breivik killed 77 people, mostly teenagers, in a horrifying shooting spree in July this year – but psychological evaluators say he was insane, and needs treatment, not punishment.
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Islamists poised for ‘knockout’ at Egypt elections
The Muslim Brotherhood looks likely to become Egypt’s biggest political party after historic free elections, and will have a big role in shaping the country’s destiny. Should this cause alarm?
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Church of England launches attack on ‘unjust’ laws
Vulnerable children are at grave risk from planned changes to the benefits system, warn the UK’s top bishops. This reopens a profound debate about the merits of the welfare state.
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Top selling video game sparks anxiety over violence
A new game in the hit ‘Call of Duty’ series has just been released. Critics love it. Fans are buying it in record numbers. But the brutal violence of the series has some people worried.
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Political guru inspires through bravery in death
Philip Gould, one of the architects of modern political practice, has succumbed to oesophageal cancer at the age of 61. His courageous response to death has been widely admired.
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Seven killed in ‘horrific’ motorway crash
Britain has suffered its worst road accident in 20 years, after a huge multi-car pile-up on the M5. The crash will reopen a heated debate on road safety, and the price of a human life.
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Cricket hero turned cheat gets prison term
Salman Butt, former captain of the Pakistani cricket team, will serve 30 months in prison for his part in a match-fixing scandal. His fall has brought shame to a once respectable sport.
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Hollywood star ‘delighted’ by secret love child
Comedy actor Hugh Grant has admitted fathering a child at the age of 51 after 'a fleeting affair'. His response to his daughter's birth reveals how attitudes have changed.
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Anglican church in crisis over protest camp
Yesterday, after an embarrassing series of U-turns, top Church of England clerics said they would let protests at St Paul's continue. Is Christianity about politics or people power?