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Avatar plumbs new depths
Only once before has anyone made the descent into the Mariana trench, the deepest point on Earth. Now James Cameron wants to repeat that journey.
Ian Sample
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Mice show way to ageing reversal
Scientists claim to be a step closer to reversing the ageing process after rejuvenating worn-out organs in elderly mice.
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Trial use of stem cells for stroke patients
For the first time, stem cells have been injected into the brain of a stroke victim in the hope that the brain will stimulate the growth of new neuron
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Researchers in blood creation breakthrough
Scientists have turned clumps of human skin into blood cells in a feat that could revolutionise cancer therapy and the treatment of blood disorders.
In hot pursuit to defeat the enemy within
The immune system has been found to target viruses inside cells, suggesting new strategies to fight infections — including colds and gastroenteritis
Dinosaurs of insect world discovered
The bugs, preserved in amber, tell tales of forest conditions in India before it crashed into Asia
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Acupuncture deaths point to need for adequate training
Eighty-six people have been killed accidentally by badly trained acupuncturists in the past 45 years.
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Two + two = no more
Children who spent more than two hours a day at a screen had a 60% higher risk of psychological problems.
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Drug could double life of donor organs
Doctors are to begin the trial of a treatment that could double the time transplanted organs survive in the body.
Sociability good for health
The studies found that being lonely and isolated was as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or being an alcoholic.
Learning the truth about our place in the universe
Scientists reveal the goings-on at the galactic centre of space-time.
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Do good genes hold the key to a long life?
A genetic test that can predict whether a person is likely to live long enough to see their 100th birthday has been developed by scientists.
Something’s out there
We have all heard of "dark matter". But what about dark galaxies, dark planets — even dark creatures?
Obese women risk miscarriage after IVF
Overweight women are more than twice as likely to miscarry an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) baby as those whose weight is healthier.
Acupuncture explained — sort of
Twisting a needle damages cells and triggers the release of an anti-inflammatory chemical, US scientists find.
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Breast cancer vaccine a step away
Clinical trials of a vaccine designed to protect healthy women against breast cancer could begin within the next two years.
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Phone cancer study put on hold
International study was delayed for years because
scientists failed to agree on its findings, writes <b>Ian Sample</b>.
Genes predict risk
Dr Stephen Quake was found to be carrying a rare genetic mutation that can cause a sudden and fatal heart attack.
The best medicine
Laughter can unleash the same changes in the body’s chemistry as a quick bout of physical exercise, scientists claim.
Keep talking — until the damage’s done?
It was concluded there was no evidence that cellphones were dangerous but more research was needed to rule out an increased risk of brain tumours.
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Cloudy knowledge of risks from volcanic ash
Analysts said engine tests would have a limited value, as volcanic ash differs from almost all other environmental threats an aircraft faces.
Pretty stressed out
Men are drawn to a wider range of women when they are feeling stressed out, according to research into the psychology of sexual attraction.
Snatching 40 winks
Psychologists say sleep clears the brain’s short-term memory and makes space for new facts to be remembered.
Plan to halt HIV transfer
Strategy aims to stop the spread of ‘one of the worst plagues of human history’.
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Hit the road and stop the brain drain
The health benefits of a regular run have long been known, but scientists have never understood the curious ability of exercise to boost brain power.
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What was that?
Sheez Louise, those guys over at Ingolstadt are clever. The new Audi S4 isn’t just a car, it’s like a teleport machine.
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Women scientists claim Nobel prize for defying ageing
The discovery of a biological gatekeeper that prevents genetic code from fraying with age has won three American scientists this year’s Nobel prize.
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Faster than a speeding bullet
British engineers unveiled plans for the world’s first 1 600km/h car, a muscular streak of gunmetal and orange.
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‘Faith can relieve pain’
Scientists have uncovered an ancient source of pain relief that is based on the power of the mind, according to research published on recently.
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Yawning is infectious not only to humans
Humans may not be the only ones to find yawning contagious. Research shows that a yawn is likely to set off pets as well as those around you.
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Epilepsy drug link to birth defects
Pregnant women who take an epilepsy drug that is also prescribed for migraines may increase the risk of their children having birth defects.
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Walking to wellness
People with diabetes can limit the impact of the condition simply by walking for an extra 45 minutes a day, according to scientists.
