Life Following trends and easy answers isn't the way to a good life Vegan clothes, biofuel and wood-burning stoves have all been offered up as ethical, environmental choices – but the evidence behind them is much more murky News
Life The most elusive whales reveal their secrets in their wakes Beaked whales leave clues to their nature in the water We know next to nothing about some of the largest animals on the planet: the incredibly elusive beaked whales. But we could soon find out for the first time just how many species there are, by sequencing the DNA they leave in their wake. Beaked whales … News
Space Why Richard Branson's promises about space tourism are empty The billionaire businessman says he'll ride into space within months, paving the way to routine suborbital passenger trips. Don't get too excited, says Paul Marks News
Technology These hyper-real androids are climbing out of the uncanny valley "AS SOON as you see one, you get a chill down your spine," says Will Jackson at Engineered Arts, the UK firm behind these spookily realistic androids . The Cornwall-based company makes robots for high-profile events such as film or TV launches , as well as for tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds. Boasting face-tracking … Regulars
Physics We have hints of a theory beyond quantum physics If you think our best theory of reality is weird you ain't seen nothing yet, says physicist Ciarán Lee – it could be a fuzzy version of something bigger Features
Technology Westworld: a complex tale of robot awakening has us riveted As TV hit Westworld's robots come to some awkward conclusions about their true nature in time for the season finale, we're still hooked by the show's sheer smartness Culture
Technology Get food on the go with this roaming robot table Make sure nobody goes hungry during your next Netflix binge with a snack-laden room rover Regulars
Feedback: Humming this Spanish pop song might save a life Feedback is our weekly column of bizarre stories, implausible advertising claims, confusing instructions and more Regulars