Space Astrophile: The runt of the galactic litter The expected distribution of dark matter surrounding the Milky Way (shown in white), with the Segue 2 galaxy picked out Astrophile is our weekly column on curious cosmic objects, from the solar system to the far reaches of the multiverse Object: Dwarf galaxy Segue 2 Brightness: Equal to 900 suns Segue 2 didn't want to … News
Health Court ruling on genes is a 'victory for common sense' "When I began, it did not cross my mind that a case would go to the Supreme Court because of my work" More than 20 years ago, geneticist Mary-Claire King discovered BRCA1 – the first known gene with mutations related to heritable breast and ovarian cancer. Last week, the US Supreme Court ruled against patenting … Opinion
Life Delicate nano-flowers coaxed from simple seeds (Image: Wim Noorduin/Harvard University) ADD nutrients, consider the temperature, monitor precipitation – the basics of gardening are much the same even at the nanoscale. Cultivators of the very small have grown flowers, exotic fruits and whole meadows from molecules assembled out of solution. But unless they use expensive, laborious techniques, all they can do is … Regulars
Life Nudge: You're being manipulated – have you noticed? A mass experiment is under way to change your behaviour for the better. If it's working properly, you’ve probably barely noticed Features
Enigma Number 1754 Elementary My textbook lists the two-letter symbols for chemical elements, including both old and new abbreviations for some of them, as: Ac Ag Al Am Ar As At Au Ba Be Bh Bi Bk Br Ca Cd Ce Cf Cl Cm Co Cr Cs Cu Db Ds Dy Er Es Eu Fe Fm Fr Ga … Regulars
Feedback: Nano-whatsits invade their minds Feedback is our weekly column of bizarre stories, implausible advertising claims, confusing instructions and more Nano-whatsits invade minds FOLLOWING our mention of a portmanteau conspiracy theory (13 April) , Fred Riley sends an update. That story concerned "New Evidence Fukushima Disaster Created by HAARP/Chemtrails/Plasma Weapons and Possible Mini-nuke". This one, posted to the UK Channel … Regulars