We need to talk about the bad science being funded

Jul 19, 2016 08:08 am UTC| Science

Spectacular failures to replicate key scientific findings have been documented of late, particularly in biology, psychology and medicine. A report on the issue, published in Nature this May, found that about 90% of some...

What our faces can tell other people about the state of our health

Jul 07, 2016 17:10 pm UTC| Science Health

Our facial appearance influences how we feel about ourselves and other peoples faces influence who we choose to approach or avoid and who wed like to form romantic relationships with. At a glance, a face reveals a wealth...

The imitation game: can newborn babies mimic their parents?

Jul 05, 2016 16:04 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science

Imitation is a key part of the way humans learn. We can pick up new skills by observing others: how to tie shoelaces or hold a pencil in school, how to hit a tennis serve or swing a putter down the country club, or how to...

Could we upload a brain to a computer – and should we even try?

Jul 04, 2016 18:40 pm UTC| Insights & Views Science

People have always dreamed about going beyond the limitations of their bodies: the pain, illness and, above all, death. Now a new movement is dressing up this ancient drive in new technological clothes. Referred to as...

We will soon be able to test for cancer or heart disease as easily as pregnancy

Jul 04, 2016 18:36 pm UTC| Insights & Views Technology Health Science

We have all grown up with the idea that if a woman suspects she is pregnant she simply can pop into a pharmacy and buy a pregnancy test to use at home. Conversely, if someone suspects they are suffering from heart disease,...

How brain implants can let paralysed people move again

Jul 03, 2016 02:54 am UTC| Insights & Views Science

Something as simple as picking up a cup of tea requires an awful lot of action from your body. Your arm muscles fire to move your arm towards the cup. Your finger muscles fire to open your hand then bend your fingers...

Helium is vital for medicine -- just as well we discovered more of this rare element

Jul 01, 2016 12:10 pm UTC| Science Health

Helium is in short supply and its more than just the sellers of party balloons who should worry. This rare element is critical to medicine where ultra-low-temperature liquid helium is used to cool the superconducting...