Birds are not real
According to his book, our next big mistake was allowing these parallel narratives of science to foster almost unchallenged for the next 60 years. One of the best examples is Andrew Wakefield’s paper on the ‘link’ between autism and the MMR vaccine that single-handedly launched the anti-vax movement and, despite having no scientific credibility, took 12 years to be retracted.
Existential crisis, what crisis?
The opinions expressed in John Hands’ book stand in striking contrast to those of other commentators on the situation. He accepts that significant changes are now taking place on our planet but claims that these are neither unmanageable nor do they constitute an existential threat.
A fix for fractures
There are 206 bones in the human body and, like skin, bone has the ability to regenerate. The problem is it’s not always accurate. Katrina Megget reports
Greener dyeing
Microorganisms, wood pulp cellulose and aerogels are just some of the novel technologies helping to improve the process of dyeing textiles, Lou Reade reports – cutting the use of energy, water and toxic chemicals.
Living vaccines revival
First administered in 1921, the BCG vaccine has slashed deaths from TB. Now, it appears BCG and other live vaccines may protect against a range of infections. Anthony King reports.
Plugging the gap
Britain is already a world leader when it comes to renewables. But with demand for electricity set to increase as more people buy into EVs and heat pumps, energy storage technologies will be crucial, Jasmin Fox-Skelly reports
Asia biodiversity threat
Asia is rated as the ‘the most underperforming continent in meeting a global target to protect 17% of land by 2020,’ according to a new study by the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, UK. Only 13.2% of land on the continent is designated as a terrestrial protected area.
Sound shaping
Scientists in Germany have created 3D patterns out of solid particles, gel beads and biological cells using ultrasound.
Aerogel takeoff
Engineers at the University of Bath, UK, have launched a company to make ultra-light aerogels. The firm, Aerogel Core, will take advantage of graphene to produce aerogels with superior shape and strength.