science
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Massive supernova visible millions of light years from EarthCalifornia observatory spots dying star 10,000 times brighter than the sun before explosion in a spiral galaxy 160m light years from constellation of Pegasus
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Act now before entire species are lost to global warming, say scientistsClimate change is threatening about 700 endangered species and policymakers must act urgently to lessen impact -
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Epidemic of untreatable back and neck pain costs billions, study findsCosting the US alone $88bn a year, low back and neck pain is widespread and expensive – despite the fact that most treatments don’t work
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A neuroscientist explains: how we perceive the truth - podcastDr Daniel Glaser explores what can the wiring of the brain tell us about how we perceive the world
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Hidden Figures is a groundbreaking book. But the film? Not so muchHas Hollywood’s need for the feel-good factor done Margot Shetterley’s book – and the history of Nasa’s black women mathematicians – a disservice?
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Ireland to legalise cannabis for specific medical conditionsPatients with multiple sclerosis, severe epilepsy, or undergoing chemotherapy could be given drug despite safety fears
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Cancer drug prices must come down, say leading research institutesTop UK and US scientists say high cost for medicines is indefensible as they propose cheaper way to develop them
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key issues
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SpaceSpaceMassive supernova visible millions of light years from EarthCalifornia observatory spots dying star 10,000 times brighter than the sun before explosion in a spiral galaxy 160m light years from constellation of Pegasus
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BiologyBiologyVery premature babies at risk of mental health problems – researchStudies reveal greater likelihood of attention disorders, shyness and anxiety in childhood and then adulthood for survivors with very low birth weight of 1kg
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GeneticsGeneticsForensic DNA profiling might be about to take a big leap forward. Are we ready?Advances in epigenetics mean incredibly detailed profiles of criminal suspects might soon be reality. Is the legal system ready to use this information?
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Medical researchMedical researchIreland to legalise cannabis for specific medical conditionsPatients with multiple sclerosis, severe epilepsy, or undergoing chemotherapy could be given drug despite safety fears
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PhysicsPhysicsIs emergent quantum mechanics grounded in classical physics? - Science Weekly podcastDoes strange quantum behaviour emerge from run-of-the-mill classical physics? If so, what does this tell us about the fundamental nature of reality?
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Gemini the celestial twinsStarwatch A look at the stars that make up the constellation of Gemini, including Castor, a tight binary, and Pollux, an orange giant
in depth
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Daniel Dennett: ‘I begrudge every hour I have to spend worrying about politics’Truth has long been a key concern for the American philosopher. He’s in the UK to discuss his latest book on consciousness, but there’s just no escaping Trump…
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opinion
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A new exhibition shows how scientists have tried to understand the mayhem of volcanoes, and how artists have embraced their sheer terrorWhy the sublime violence of volcanoes will never lie dormant
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How good journalists can face down fake newsmongersThe mainstream media can fight back against the poisoning of our public sphere by giving people narratives they can understand
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pictures & video
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NASA's ISS crew throw American football in space to honour Super Bowl – videoAstronauts throw an American football around the International Space Station on Saturday to mark the upcoming Super Bowl LI on Sunday
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Spacewalks and moon landings: Nasa archive photos up for auctionA set of pictures from US space programme, including the first moon landing images, could fetch up to £20,000 at a New York auction next month
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Tim Peake set for return mission to International Space Station – videoTim Peake, the British astronaut will return for a second mission to the International Space Station alongside his fellow classmates from 2009
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SpaceX successfully launches and lands first rocket since explosion – videoSpaceX successfully launches and lands it’s first rocket since a previous attempt exploded before takeoff last year
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What is thundersnow? – video explainerThundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon which looks set to make an appearance in the UK over the next couple of days
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Press paws: point-of-view camera reveals polar bears in action – videoScientists from the US Geological Survey (USGS) attached a camera to a female polar to study her behaviour and feeding rates
Very premature babies at risk of mental health problems – research