Science
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The plan to power Mars by flying kites
Would life be better in space? Scientists say wind power could help astronauts create electricity while living on Mars. But some people are not sure if it is worth moving there at all.
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Robot reveals secrets of the coral reef
Is exploring the ocean more important than going to space? New photos taken by a machine deep underwater have given scientists clues about life on the seabed – and how to protect it.
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Oxygen on Mars paves the way for human trips
Do humans have a right to move to Mars? A NASA rover has extracted oxygen from the air on Mars. It could make moving to the red planet much easier. But should we be going there at all?
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Introducing the first human-monkey cross
Is it wrong to meddle with nature? A new breakthrough might make it possible to grow human organs inside animals. It could save lives, but many people say it is unnatural – and even cruel.
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The ants that build bridges with their bodies
Should we be more like ants? The insects use maths and teamwork to make living bridges to stop each other falling. Copying their skills could help us build roads, buildings and even robots.
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Attenborough: ‘Nature is full of wonder’
Is nature making a comeback? A new David Attenborough documentary looks at how the pandemic and lockdowns helped the natural world recover. Its message is all about hope for the future.
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Eureka! Scientists could soon talk to spiders
If animals could speak, would they say anything interesting? Researchers have translated the shape of a spider web into music. It could be the first step in talking to other species.
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‘Gaming makes you smarter’ say experts
Is it really good for you? Research has found that people who play video games could have better vision and spatial awareness. But some people still warn gaming is a waste of time.
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Moon mission a new era for space travel
Does space travel bring us hope? Experts working on a historical lunar mission say it helps us stay optimistic during hard times – but some people think we should stick to earthly problems.
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The smallest dinosaur that ever lived
A spectacular amber fossil holds the skull of the smallest dinosaur ever found: a bird-like creature that lived more than 99 million years ago and grew no bigger than a bee.
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Visitors flock to see ‘cute’ volcano
Should we be scared of them? A volcano in Iceland has woken up after 700 years and is putting on a stunning lava show. Rather than avoiding it, hundreds of people are racing to see it.
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The birds re-learning their love songs
Can science save the regent honeyeaters? These rare songbirds are so endangered that there are not enough to teach their chicks to sing. But researchers in Australia could have a solution.
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Space rock reveals secrets of the Solar System
Can we learn all about the universe without leaving Earth? Scientists say a meteorite that landed in England last month could hold ancient clues about how our planet was created.
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Welcome to the galaxy’s first hotel
Would holidays in space really be better? The world’s first orbiting resort could be open as soon as 2027 – but some people think it would be better to explore the wonders of Earth instead.
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Touchdown! Robot lands safely on Mars
Is there life on Mars? Last week, NASA rover Perseverance touched down on the nearby planet after a journey of over seven months. While on Mars, it will be searching for clues of life.