Here's what happened in space this week

May 30, 2016 02:41 am UTC| Insights & Views Science Technology

From inflatable space stations to space sweeteners, its been an amazing week in space but none so visually astounding as the video from SpaceX of their 3rd successful landing at sea. The astounding landing at sea by...

We mightn't like it, but there are ethical reasons to use animals in medical research

May 26, 2016 00:09 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Science

The media regularly report impressive medical advances. However, in most cases, there is a reluctance by scientists, the universities, or research institutions they work for, and the media to mention animals used in that...

How we found the genes that control nose shape – and what they say about us

May 24, 2016 16:15 pm UTC| Science

Whether we love it or hate it, theres no getting away from the fact that the nose is the most protruding part of the face and one of our most distinguishable features. From tribal ornaments and oriental piercings to...

Powering nanotechnology with the world's smallest engine

May 24, 2016 15:17 pm UTC| Science

In the minuscule world of nanotechnology, big steps are rare. But a recent development has the potential to massively improve our lives: an engine measuring 200 billionths of a metre, which could power tiny robots to fight...

How does a bike stay upright? Surprisingly, it's all in the mind

May 24, 2016 14:27 pm UTC| Science

Its as easy as riding a bike … or so the saying goes. But how do we manage to stay upright on a bicycle? If anyone ventures an answer they most often say that its because of the gyroscopic effect but this cant be...

Solar storms could solve longstanding paradox of how life on Earth arose

May 23, 2016 16:27 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science

It was only a matter of 700m years or so after Earth formed and its surface cooled and solidified that life began to flourish on Earth. All studies suggest that life requires water and we know from rocks on Earth that the...

SkyWatch: Mars, Saturn, the full moon and Scorpius

May 20, 2016 00:12 am UTC| Science

This weekend Mars appears at its best and brightest. It reaches opposition on Sunday, May 22, which means the planet will appear opposite the sun as viewed from Earth and it brings Mars closest to Earth for the next few...