Doctor Who anniversary: 12 ways to become a Time Lord
The world's longest-running science fiction show has its 50th anniversary on 23 November. We examine the ways that the fiction is rooted in reality
Tickling yourself is impossible even in another's shoes
People can't tickle themselves even when they think it's someone else doing it – challenging theories about how our brain works
Cockpit computers are sapping pilots' ability to fly
Over-reliance on automated systems represents the biggest threat to air safety, says aviation report
Noise is the key to quantum computing
Discord, a controversial measure of quantumness, could unlock the potential of quantum technologies, say physicists Hugo Cable and Kavan Modi
Eased one-child policy won't lead to more girls – yet
Letting more couples have two children will not create a baby boom or redress gender imbalances in China because most couples want only one child
Australia cementing status as climate bad-boy
The country has taken a hard line at the UN climate talks in Warsaw, refusing to help fund climate adaptation in developing countries
Jolly green comet blazes a trail towards sun
The supercomet ISON has sprouted a spectacular tail and could put on a dazzling display if it survives its close encounter with the sun next week
Climate change's influence on tornadoes is a mixed bag
Trends that govern when and where tornadoes normally hit are being turned upside down, but it's difficult to say whether climate change is to blame
UN negotiators ditch climate-friendly agriculture plan
The biggest disappointment of the UN climate talks in Warsaw so far is the abandoned discussions of how to help farmers cut emissions
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