Latest Stories
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One year on, rescued miners struggle with fame
Thirty three men survived a deadly cave-in at a Chilean mine. Trapped underground, the story of their survival inspired the world. But after their escape, their troubles had just begun.
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Indian temple reveals £12 billion treasure trove
Sealed in by thick stones, a huge hoard of riches has been discovered beneath a Hindu temple in India. How did it get there and what should be done with it now?
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East Africa hit by returning drought and famine
The United Nations believes 10 million people are at risk from lack of food and water in the Horn of Africa. Lack of rain has left crops failing and livestock dead.
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Invisibility cloak on way after sonar breakthrough
High-tech 'metamaterials' can make objects invisible to sonar, scientists have found. It's a step towards the ultimate camouflage, which could one day allow people to disappear entirely.
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Born to argue: the new theory of rational thought
A new theory has caused a storm among psychologists by suggesting that rational thought is a way to win fights and that faulty reasoning may actually be a good thing.
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BBC film shows man being helped to die
In the programme 'Choosing to die', novelist Sir Terry Pratchett witnessed a man being helped to commit suicide. Do we have the right to choose when we die?
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‘Turbulent priest’ attacks government
Rowan Williams, head of the Church of England, has sharply criticised government policies. It's an echo of previous eras, when priests and kings, or priests and politicians, crossed swords.
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‘Genderless’ baby kicks up a Storm
A baby? Lovely! Boy or girl? What do you mean you're not saying? The intriguing tale of a family who want to bring up their baby, Storm, to make its own decisions about becoming a he or a she.
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Thousands disappointed as world fails to end
A US preacher predicted the world would end at 6pm last Saturday. Followers were shocked and dismayed as the day passed uneventfully. But although life goes on, apocalyptic beliefs are...
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The boy suicide bomber who changed his mind
Child bombers have become increasingly common in Afghanistan. But why choose to sacrifice your life? The dark tale of Noor Mohammed and the Taliban.
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‘Fairy story’ religion under fire again
Stephen Hawking, the world's most famous living physicist, has given a rare and explosive interview. By calling the afterlife “a fairy story”, he has reignited debate between science and...
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The Swiss say ‘Yes’ to assisted suicide
The Swiss city of Zurich has become known for 'suicide tourism' and yesterday the city voted to keep it that way. So is 'mercy killing' the future?
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Life stories: ‘my father the hero’
Violence in Syria is intensifying. Tanks and soldiers have killed hundreds of protesters. This weekend, the EU imposed sanctions against the brutal regime. From amid the chaos, a story of...
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Q&A: Osama bin Laden’s ten commandments
Both loved and loathed, he was one of the few men to change the course of history. What were the ideals that drove this fanatical leader?
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The Royal Wedding’s (surprise) hit: the sermon
Speaking to one class can be nerve-wracking. But what about addressing two billion people? Calm and cheerful, the bishop of London did just that. But what did he say?