Spectrum: The fascinating world of science and technology

The Shenzhou 11 spacecraft has returned to earth bringing home two astronauts from Beijing's longest-ever orbital mission. The two taikonauts spent a month carrying out experiments aboard the Tiangong 2 space lab.  

From the pope endorsing Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton arming "Islamic State," fake news has become a powerful force to reckon with. But supporters have lashed out at measures aiming to cut off its circulation.  

A new global HIV institute in Essen, Germany, sees exciting times for its number one aim: to develop a vaccine. It says it will do this by building an international network for HIV research.  

Bleeding is as much a part of life for women as breathing, yet for all too many, the monthly period is still taboo. If we're not talking about it, we're not addressing the environmental impacts, of which there are many.  

Nearly 70 percent of the Kenyan population relies on costly and environmentally damaging energy sources. But a green transtion is underway, as ever more Kenyans turn to solar power to meet their daily energy needs.  

Africa’s eco-entrepreneurs can tackle poverty and climate change at a grassroots level. But, writes Lorna Rutto, the right policies and investment are needed if their creativity and innovation are to have an impact.   

The German government projects a larger, yet balanced budget for 2017. There will be modest increases for many departments - especially security. More money will also be allocated for the integration of migrants.  

Danish toymaker Lego has opened a factory in China, its first production facility on the Asian continent. Some economists question whether it can succeed, given the vast number of knockoff products crowding the market.  

Online spending of US bargain hunters climbed above $1 billion by Thanksgiving evening, boding well for the holiday shopping season in the United States that is traditionally kicking off with today's Black Friday.