Michael Faraday’s illustrated notes that show how radical scientist began his theories at London’s Royal Institution to go online He was a self-educated genius whose groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of physics and chemistry electrified the world of science and laid the foundations for Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity nearly...
Underwater ‘doorbell’ helps scientists catch coral-eating fish in Florida
Researchers use innovative cameras to identify fish species hindering coral reef restoration Marine scientists in Florida working to help reverse a calamitous decades-long decline in coral reefs caught fishy “porch pirates” in the act with an innovative underwater doorbell-style surveillance camera. The footage showed that three corallivorous species – redband...
Animal poo can be used to save endangered species from extinction, research finds
Some cells are still alive within the dung, and could be used to boost genetic diversity in certain species Turning animal poo into offspring sounds like a zoo keeper’s conjuring trick, but it might become a reality if researchers succeed in a new project to help save endangered animals from...
‘Great to see our friends arrive’: SpaceX capsule docks with ISS to bring back stranded Nasa astronauts
The arrival of four astronauts will allow Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return to Earth after nine months on the International Space Station There were emotional scenes of smiling astronauts hugging and embracing in zero gravity on the International Space Station on Sunday after a replacement crew docked with...
Swollen eyeballs, baby-like skin, and the overview effect: how astronauts feel when they return to earth
As Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare to come home after their unexpected nine-month ISS stay, here is what they may experience Gravity may seem like a drag, but spending long periods of time without its grounding force can wreak havoc on your body. On Friday, Nasa and SpaceX will...
‘It’s human conceit to think we’re alone’: life must extend beyond Earth, leading space scientist says
Exclusive: It is imperative humans expand their understanding of space, argues Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock Life must exist beyond Earth, a leading space scientist says, adding it is yet another example of human pride to suppose otherwise. The British space scientist Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, who will be giving the Royal Institution...
Crew lifts off on SpaceX mission to replace stuck Nasa astronauts
Falcon 9 rocket takes off on journey to replace duo who have been at International Space Station since June The replacements for two Nasa astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for nine months launched on Friday evening, paving the way for the pair’s long-awaited return. SpaceX’s...
Primordial surf: ‘microlightning’ in mist may have sparked life on Earth, study finds
Tiny lightning streaks in fine spray can power chemical reactions that generate molecules for life, scientists say Charles Darwin thought it started in a warm pond. Others point to comets that ploughed into Earth. And some suspect a bolt from the blue, a lightning strike into the ocean. How life...
From profiteroles to moles: project uncovers gulls’ surprising diet
Salford University findings show gulls are predators – not just opportunists snatching people’s snacks In pictures: Octopus? Ice cream? Is there anything gulls don’t eat? Gulls are renowned for snatching chips from tourists’ hands, but a scientific project has revealed the greedy birds also like to tuck into moles and...
‘Spreadsheets of empire’: red tape goes back 4,000 years, say scientists after Iraq finds
Ancient Mesopotamian stone tablets show extraordinary detail and reach of government in cradle of world civilisations The red tape of government bureaucracy spans more than 4,000 years, according to new finds from the cradle of the world’s civilisations, Mesopotamia. Hundreds of administrative tablets – the earliest physical evidence of the...