Newly appointed Cambridge professor says feat would accelerate scientific knowledge by an order of magnitude Dark, hungry and inescapable: black holes are often portrayed as the ultimate cosmic villains. But now astronomers are preparing to capture a movie of a supermassive black hole in action for the first time, in...
What happens to accidental heroes when the headlines fade? ‘You get your award and then there’s nothing’
After traumatic events we look for reminders of humanity’s good, and flashes of courage from ordinary people become symbols of hope. But it can be hard to wear the hero’s crown Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news...
Nasa moon rocket creeps to its launchpad in preparation for astronaut flight
First journey around moon with astronauts in more than 50 years could blast off in February Nasa’s giant new moon rocket has moved to the launchpad in preparation for astronauts’ first lunar fly-around in more than half a century. The trip could blast off in February. The 98-metre (322ft) rocket...
Simple blood test can predict which breast cancer treatment will work best, study finds
Exclusive: DNA test means patients could be offered most effective treatment first, boosting their chances of beating the disease Scientists have developed a simple DNA blood test that can predict how well patients with breast cancer will respond to treatment. More than 2 million people globally each year are diagnosed...
15 years after Fukushima, Japan prepares to restart the world’s biggest nuclear plant
A return to nuclear power is at the heart of Japan’s energy policy but, in the wake of the 2011 disaster, residents’ fears about tsunamis, earthquakes and evacuation plans remain The activity around the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant is reaching its peak: workers remove earth to expand the width of...
Starwatch: Watch the crescent moon pass Saturn as dusk gathers
Earth’s satellite will be visible in conjunction with the ringed planet as twilight gives way to darkness A slender crescent moon slides past Saturn this week, offering a rewarding conjunction. It will be the perfect way to start your evening, a little quiet contemplation of the night sky as the...
The sudden rise of scabies: ‘I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy’
These microscopic mites, which burrow under your skin and cause ferocious itching, are incredibly hard to get rid of – and cases in the UK have soared. What is causing the outbreak, and is there anything we can do about it? Louise (not her real name) is listing the contents...
NASA’s new moon rocket moves to the pad ahead of astronaut launch as early as February
NASA's preparing for astronauts’ first lunar fly-around since 1972.
Here’s where Trump’s most jaw-dropping promises stand a year into his second term
President Donald Trump has made lots of promises during the first year of his second term in the White House
How abortion coverage threatens to prevent a congressional deal on health care subsidies
There's broad bipartisan support in Congress for reviving federal health care subsidies that expired at the beginning of the year