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Glowing jester plane reveals invisible wind eddies

A coating of glowing oil exposes the swirls of air that surround an experimental Boeing blended wing aircraft in a NASA wind tunnel


Brake away: Rethinking how we land on MarsMovie Camera

NASA is rebooting its Mars landings, thanks to a smart idea from the cold war era, and high-stakes rocket tests in the desert. Sally Adee looks on


No need for gods any more

As societies mature, many outgrow the need for a spiritual superbeing, argues Big Gods: How religion transformed cooperation and conflict


Climate report: How the science has moved on

The science of climate change has moved on a great deal in the six years since the last IPCC report. We break down the most important new findings


Will push for global digital privacy treaty succeed?

Edward Snowden's leaks over mass digital spying are proving a rallying point for nations seeking to curb electronic surveillance of their citizens


Rockstar planet hunter: Genius award will free my brain

Astrophysicist and newly named MacArthur genius Sara Seager talks about her hunt for exotic new worlds, and draws links between parenting and science


First physical evidence of why you're an owl or a lark

Brain differences distinguish night owls from morning larks, and could explain why those of us who prefer a late start are at greater risk of depression


Black-hole eruption nearby is a warning for us all

Cosmic threats, like the flare-up 2 million years ago of the Milky Way's black hole, are a reminder that humanity's survival is up to us


It's never too late for a midlife crisis

Ditch the Porche-driving clich̩ for a better understanding of life crises Рbe they midlife, quarter-life or late-life, says psychologist Oliver Robinson


Light-bending black hole mimic is first you can watchMovie Camera

It isn't dangerous – but the plastic black hole is helping to demystify one of nature's weirdest objects and might have applications for energy-harvesting devices


Hacking firm hints at cybercrime's professional elite

A new report has outed a shadowy organisation called Hidden Lynx – a 100-strong group of expert hackers who are available for hire


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