In Short

David Lindsay explores the first of the conducting organic polymers, polyacetylene

It's the compound that creates a lucrative market from leftover lobster. Emma Stoye introduces chitin

What are meteors, and what's the best way to observe them?

Diamonds are the new best friends of laser scientists.

'Spin doctor' Hugh Hunt explains how cricket bowlers can use spin to confuse batsmen.

Developed to save lives, its potential to give cheats an edge was soon identified. David Lindsay explores erythropoietin

Scientists have grown a burger in the lab, but do we need artificial meat?

Enceladus, the tiny Saturnian satellite, issues jets of salty water from its south pole. But why? Gravitational tidal...

We are often encouraged to relax during our lunch break, but research suggests that this can do interesting things to...

Our recent spell of hot weather in the UK has seen a dramatic rise in the number of jellyfish in UK waters. But what...

For an aromatic curry and, potentially, a healthier life, Simon Cotton recommends curcumin

Research has shown that regular vigorous exercise can have a major impact on your risk of having a stroke.

How can you make sure you are safe when you cycle? It might be more difficult that you think to ensure cars spot you...

Claudia and Priya give you 11 facts about organ donation and the World Transplant Games

It kept the explosions on the silver screen instead of in the projection booth - Brian Clegg on cellulose acetate

MRI brain scanning could aid in the diagnosis of autism in young infants, a US research group have found.

Just 50 grams could kill everyone on the planet, but we have it injected into our faces. David Lindsay on Botox

A team at Toronto university won the “Igor I. Sikorsky Competition” by building a man-powered helicopter...

With gender switching flowers and humungous leaves, the giant water lily at the Cambridge Botanic gardens has to be...

A baby was born in the US this week, thanks to a new genetic screening technique for IVF embryos

Phillip Broadwith discusses one of the neonicitinoid insecticides believed to be causing problems for bees

How are astronomers modelling the dark matter in the Universe?

Nineteen fire-fighters were killed in Arizona tackling a wildfire that had got out of control. But how do blazes like...

To some it looks cheap and nasty, for others it's a sensible (or even sexy) design decision. Brian Clegg wraps...