17 February 2021
In Unity, Elly Bangs conjures a post-apocalyptic Earth where her protagonist, once part of a hive mind, faces a dangerous, fractured future. The novel is a powerful exploration of union, trauma and consent, says Bethan Ackerley
17 February 2021
The secrets of long-lost metropolises are finally being revealed thanks to data archaeology. We could even learn more about why cities die out, writes Annalee Newitz
16 February 2021
We need a revolution in artificial intelligence and learning from insects will help us achieve it, says James Marshall
12 February 2021
The mesosphere – the atmospheric layer 50 to 80km above the ground – is out of bounds to normal aircraft, but millimetre-sized devices could fly there powered by sunlight
12 February 2021
Veins in the back of your hand are as unique as fingerprints and can be used to identify you without specialist hardware
11 February 2021
Self-healing and eco-friendly devices that generate electricity from body heat could power wearable gadgets, such as a heart monitor for runners
11 February 2021
Researchers at Microsoft have developed an AI for the firm's Teams videoconferencing software that highlights positive audience reactions during a virtual presentation
10 February 2021
Observing a virtual version of yourself delivering a speech well can improve your public speaking skills – but only if you’re male, and not already very good at public speaking
