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Cryptic crossword #41: Baker's ingredient still includes arsenic (5)

1 October 2020

Challenge your brain by solving New Scientist's weekly crosswords on your mobile, tablet or desktop


World leaders pledge to protect nature – will it make a difference?

World leaders pledge to protect nature – will it make a difference?

30 September 2020

The sheer number of global leaders pledging to protect nature at a virtual UN biodiversity summit is progress – but we need more than warm words to limit habitat loss and species extinction


Missions to confirm signs of life on Venus are already in the works

Missions to confirm signs of life on Venus are already in the works

30 September 2020

Confirming potential signs of life on Venus may require a trip there, and several missions from governments and private space firms are already being designed


To understand signs of life on Venus we must do chemistry on Earth

To understand signs of life on Venus we must do chemistry on Earth

30 September 2020

The hunt for potential alien life on Venus will start in labs on Earth to rule out other sources of the mysterious phosphine gas we have seen


What should a second coronavirus lockdown look like in Europe?

What should a second coronavirus lockdown look like in Europe?

30 September 2020

As cases rise across Western Europe, are second lockdowns inevitable? If so, what should they look like and will they be different to last time?


The endangered giants that still lurk in the world’s biggest rivers

The endangered giants that still lurk in the world’s biggest rivers

30 September 2020

The world's fresh waters used to teem with enormous fish. Their numbers are dwindling, but it is not too late to save the river monsters from extinction


Superstrong sea sponge could help build better spacecraft

Superstrong sea sponge could help build better spacecraft

30 September 2020

The intricate structure of this marine sponge is already mimicked in engineering and architecture, and now we know we were missing a trick that can make our designs even stronger


Why monocultures aren't nearly as bad as you may think

Why monocultures aren't nearly as bad as you may think

30 September 2020

The word "monoculture" is often used to signify all things bad about agriculture, even by environmentalists. But if you dive in to what it really means, you may be surprised, writes James Wong


We're heading to court to try to stop an avian apocalypse

We're heading to court to try to stop an avian apocalypse

30 September 2020

More than 90 per cent of migratory birds need more protection on their journeys around the world. Fighting for them in court may be the best way to avert catastrophe, says James Thornton


Why you should be cautious about clothing yourself in photons

Why you should be cautious about clothing yourself in photons

30 September 2020

Gucci is moving into virtual clothing, plus the return of scalar waves and problems with photographing the apocalypse, in Feedback’s weird weekly round-up


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