Syndicate content


New evidence that environmental change can outpace genetic adaptation

DNA analyses of a now extinct population of butterflies shows they could not adapt fast enough to habitat loss during the 20th century.

Healthy gut microbes could treat malnutrition

Gut microbes taken from healthy children reduced the harmful side effects of malnutrition in mice, including stunted growth and development.

Scientists find gene switch for “bad” fat

New study shows that targeting a certain gene can lower fat levels in the blood and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Tablets help students write faster – but is that better?

If they need to remember what they write, pencils work better. So what is really best?

Bullies and their victims at higher risk of depression


Climate and intensive farming push European birds into decline

Bird populations in Europe both benefit and suffer from warmer temperatures, while many populations are in decline due to threats posed by intensive agriculture.

Scientists rewrite the history of an ancient region

Origins of ancient Chinese landscape revealed by new study. Could hold important information on climate change.

Scientists can predict risk of premature death 14 years in advance

One blood sample and some hi-tech analyses can reveal your risk of a premature death

There are now 3.04 trillion trees on earth

Scientists have calculated the total number of trees of earth: 422 for each person. And we have lost almost the same number since the dawn of human civilisation.

Scientists can now discover global epidemics before they start

Scientists studying ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria discover how bacterial epidemics start. The results offer hope for new diagnostic tests to stop future epidemics in their tracks.