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Tom Gauld on an incomplete theory of everything

Tom Gauld on an incomplete theory of everything

16 September 2021

Tom Gauld's weekly cartoon


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Cryptic crossword #66: Transport cargo of aubergines (4)

16 September 2021

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


The pick of the strange science that won Ig Nobel prizes this year

The pick of the strange science that won Ig Nobel prizes this year

15 September 2021

Chewing gum forensics, sex as a decongestant and attempts to find the smell of fear all scooped accolades at the 2021 Ig Nobel award ceremony, with Feedback watching on


Spoiled onion in empty fridge. Copy Space. Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography

This week’s new questions

15 September 2021

How do astronomers decide where a galaxy begins and ends? And why do onions and radishes continue to grow in the darkness of my refrigerator?


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What is the smallest number with no interesting properties? (cont'd)

15 September 2021

As more readers ponder this question, It turns out that the numbers 51 and 247 aren’t so boring after all


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My hair has a kink. How do the hairs know exactly where to bend?

15 September 2021

Readers debate whether hair curls are down to genetics, the shape of folicles or the way we sleep or brush


R5X7FW Cute small white dog rolling in mud and fall leaves

Why do dogs enjoy rolling in smelly fox or bird faeces?

15 September 2021

Readers suggest that it is a form of olfactory disguise - much to the chagrin of dog owners


The microbial gunk that hardens on teeth is revealing our deep past

The microbial gunk that hardens on teeth is revealing our deep past

15 September 2021

Plaque fossilises while we are still alive. Now, dental calculus is giving up the secrets of our ancient ancestors, from what they ate to how they interacted and evolved


Laguna Niguel, CA - August 17: A kindergarten student gives the thumbs up to her teacher before starting the first day of kindergarten at Laguna Niguel Elementary School in Laguna Niguel, CA on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

Is the delta coronavirus variant more dangerous for children?

15 September 2021

Reports from some US hospitals have suggested that the delta coronavirus variant is more likely to have severe symptoms in children and hospitalise them, but the evidence for this is limited


SpaceX is about to send the first ever all-amateur mission into orbit

SpaceX is about to send the first ever all-amateur mission into orbit

15 September 2021

SpaceX's Inspiration4 launch will mark the first time a flight into orbit has been crewed exclusively by people who are not professional astronauts


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