life
science
science June 2, 2017
A new handheld DNA sequencer is releasing scientists from the confines of their labs, aiding in projects from treating contaminated water to potentially testing for life on Mars.
science March 18, 2017
Geoengineering against climate change
While some scientists claim solar geoengineering could be our last, best hope to deal with climate change, others say it will open the door to entirely new risks.
science February 18, 2017
Britain has approved an IVF technique to prevent mitochondrial disease from being passed on to children, resulting in babies with three biological parents.
science March 11, 2017
Ancient Aboriginal DNA and repatriations
A new genetics study into the movements of First Australians will bolster the campaign for the return of Aboriginal remains held in institutions around the world.
science January 28, 2017
Drug research and lived experience
Few researchers working with prohibited drugs such as heroin and psychedelics admit ‘inside knowledge’ of their use, but some argue that the culture of non-disclosure is irresponsible.
science December 17, 2016
Inconclusive studies haven’t deterred enthusiasts from claiming marijuana as a performance-enhancing drug, from Ganja Yoga to the world’s first ‘cannabis gym’.
science November 26, 2016
New Safe Confinement in Chernobyl
Thirty years since the world’s worst nuclear accident, engineers are sliding a giant shield over the Chernobyl reactor to finally enable its deconstruction and decontamination.
science May 28, 2016
The ‘replication crisis’ across science
Researchers are finding they are unable to reproduce studies long taken for granted in their disciplines.
science April 16, 2016
Gene-editing poses ethical questions
Gene-editing offers hope of eliminating genetic disorders, but raises questions about how far we should go.
science March 12, 2016
The science of editing a mosquito’s genetic make-up
The fight against the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses turns to genetic engineering.
science November 14, 2015
The BRCA1 gene and science in the courtroom
The High Court’s decision against patents on isolated genes raised questions about how non-expert judges can rule on science.
