How sperm get turned on

Scientists have discovered the mechanism that starts sperm swimming once they exit the male. Most people regard sperm as tiny swimming cells that vigorously dash about in search of eggs. But, in reality, they only begin behaving like this once they enter a female. In the male they remain quiescent...

The markings of a dinosaur mapped out

By comparing tiny pigment particles between modern-day birds and fossils, researchers have rediscovered the colours of a dinosaur that existed 150 million years ago. And they weren’t just ginger. Reporting in the journal Science, the latest team, led by Yale University, follow beautifully from last...

What do mosquitoes smell?

Scientists have discovered the specific odour receptors used by the malaria-spreading mosquito species Anopheles gambiae to hunt down humans.

Computer Controls Blood Sugar

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have put together an artificial pancreas system which works overnight and considerably reduces the risk of low blood sugar occurring in diabetics during sleep. In people with type 1 diabetes the pancreas doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin and i...