Subscribe now

What's hot on NewScientist.com

10 February 2010

PHYSICS

Found: cosmic graffiti Stephen Hawking’s initials are written into the cosmic microwave background. Find more in our interactive graphic

GALLERY

The UK’s secret sites Our dossier of some of the UK’s most sensitive government sites, from the erstwhile venue of gruesome human experiments to eavesdropping stations

TECH

Super-strong nanopillars How to make a brittle metal alloy stronger and ductile by cutting it into tiny barbell-shaped pillars

TECH

Intelligence in your pocket Our reporter spends a week with an “artificially intelligent” assistant installed on his phone. Could he trust it with the important stuff?

ZOOLOGGER

The troglodyte bird of South…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop