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Quick crossword #115: Flightless parrot of New Zealand (6)

25 August 2022

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


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Does your houseplant have feelings?

24 August 2022

The idea of plant consciousness may be wild, but finding objective ways to probe their inner lives could bring benefits to us all


Intimate insight into how long-tailed macaques use stone tools

Intimate insight into how long-tailed macaques use stone tools

24 August 2022

Feedback explores the “nonforaging contexts” in which macaques are using stone tools in Bali, while also looking into what to do with powdered owl, and an unexpected attempt to give snakes back their legs


Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Browne/Shutterstock (13048564cx) Eilish McColgan of Scotland celebrates victory in the Women's 10,000m final Commonwealth Games 2022, Day Seven, Birmingham, UK - 3 Aug 2022

This week’s new questions

24 August 2022

Does the drag from loose hair slow down elite athletes? And what happens to a photon after it hits the retina of my eye?


What determines fingerprints?

What determines fingerprints?

24 August 2022

Our readers discuss whether fingerprint patterns are the result of genetics or purely random processes - a debate that encompasses the code-breaker Alan Turing and a very unusual pattern of whorls and arches


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What stops us from processing weeds into tasty and edible food?

24 August 2022

The question of why we don’t eat weeds provokes an intense debate among our readers, not least because if we ate them, then surely they wouldn’t be called weeds any


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Puzzle #182: Can you work out the length of the raffle ticket strips?

24 August 2022

set by Katie Steckles


Show your children how to make paper helicopters for home experiments

Show your children how to make paper helicopters for home experiments

24 August 2022

Most children can fold a paper plane, but Alom Shaha prefers paper helicopters – and they are better for experimenting with


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Two noir sci-fi novels show crushing despair can make great reading

24 August 2022

Victor Manibo's The Sleepless and Joma West's Face are noir-inflected novels that compel with their bleak visions and great writing, both coming from distinct perspectives, says Sally Adee


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Don't Miss: NASA's first steps toward new moon mission via Orion trial

24 August 2022

New Scientist's weekly round-up of the best books, films, TV series, games and more that you shouldn't miss


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