Tree of bird life could solve Noah's Ark problem
Genetic analysis has revealed which birds are the most unique and ancient in evolutionary terms – giving conservationists a new way to decide which to save
Stem cell scientists reveal 'unethical' work culture
In the wake of ongoing controversy over stem cell research findings, a New Scientist survey reveals "numerous instances" of falsified data and an "unhealthy competitive attitude"
Robot can wear your friend's face and guess your mood
Just a bit creepy: SociBot-Mini can display any face on its sculpted head, and estimates your age and assesses your mood by scanning your own face
Medical experiments need consent – even in emergency
In clinical trials of emergency procedures, there's a tricky balance between urgency and informed consent – get it wrong and we risk losing breakthroughs
Robotic planet-hunter bags its first exoplanets
The Automated Planet Finder telescope has been working tirelessly day and night, seeking out alien worlds – and its haul of planets is just beginning
Physics-minded crows bring Aesop's fable to life
Using stones to raise water in a pitcher isn't just the stuff of fiction: experiments show that crows have an understanding of water displacement
Metal-eating plants could mine riches through roots
Plants that absorb metals from the soil could clean up old mines and allow farmers to harvest valuable resources without ruining the environment still more
Facebook and Oculus: Social media's extra dimension
It is not just for video games. With Oculus Rift, Facebook wants to plug you in to the real world with a totally immersive experience
New dwarf planet hints at giant world far beyond Pluto
The orbit of a newly discovered dwarf planet could signal the existence of a rocky world, 10 times bigger than Earth, lurking in the solar system's fringes
Map of how DNA controls cells may boost gene therapies
The clearest picture yet of how genes and cells work together has been created – it could lead to therapies that better target disease-causing mutations
Ancient 'shrimp' was the blue whale of the Cambrian
A 70-centimetre-long creature resembling a shrimp was the first animal to swim around filtering food from the water, just like modern baleen whales
Asteroid surprises with set of shiny Saturn-like rings
A small space rock called 10199 Chariklo is the first asteroid seen with a ring system akin to Saturn's, perhaps created by impacts or colliding moons
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