Target hub markets to halt new H7N9 flu wave in China
Closing Chinese poultry markets has helped stop H7N9 bird flu in humans, but the new outbreak may need smarter measures focused on well-connected markets
The Halloween trick that conjures ghosts of the mind
The "Bloody Mary" illusion evokes strange sights in the mirror. Douglas Heaven braves an apparition that could help people with schizophrenia
Zapping your brain enhances your love of classic art
People receiving electrical brain stimulation will rate artworks more favourably afterwards – but only if it's not abstract art
Crash-happy insect drone hits obstacles to help it fly
Instead of avoiding collisions, a new ball-shaped flying robot exploits them to help it travel through the air
Emission admission: New Zealand to fail carbon target
Despite a trading scheme that should cut its production of greenhouse gases, New Zealand looks set to emit three times its 2050 target
Iron 'nano-ants' made to haul huge loads with light
Beads of haematite can pick up and carry other particles more than 10 times their size with the flick of a switch
Gene therapy needs a hero to live up to the hype
A modified version of the virus that causes AIDS could be the unlikely saviour of a promising treatment for a host of deadly diseases
Ditch the pedometer – the AI in your phone is better
Just your smartphone and its built-in sensors can do a better job of measuring the energy you expend during the day than a pedometer
Gaia: The death of a beautiful idea
The first major review of the evidence finds insufficient backing for the appealing Gaia hypothesis, but we should still celebrate its impact on research
Get round internet censors using a friend's connection
People living under repressive regimes will soon be able to access the web using the internet connection of friends in censorship-free countries
New dolphin species leaps out of Australian waters
Where once there was one species of humpback dolphin roaming the Indian Ocean, now there are three
Astrophile: Evil twin planet makes other Earths likely
Kepler-78b is hellishly hot but has the same size, mass and composition as Earth, raising the probability that a true Earth twin is out there
Sardine disappearance was foreseen but ignored
There are no sardines off Vancouver Island this year. Is it a blip, or another major fishery about to collapse?
'Bubble kid' success puts gene therapy back on track
Five children with a genetic disease that wipes out their immune system have successfully been treated with gene therapy
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