Smelly caterpillar dresses as snake to avoid predators
This stinky insect likes to pose as a snake, and it looks pretty convincing. But what about the genetics behind its cunning disguises?
Beijing subway swipe data betrays social class
Urban planners in China's capital are using smartcard data to help them devise better policies and direct resources for social programmes
Lasers set to zap engines into running more efficiently
Replacing the spark plugs in engines with lasers could lead to more complete fuel combustion and greener cars
Feedback: Men make monthly mistakes
A whale's hall of fame, send soccer standard to safety, double-deck decibel distress and more
Searching for signs of Mars life could destroy them
A common sulphate mineral on Mars may be a signpost for habitability, but just looking for organic compounds might obliterate them
Keep an eye on your city's pollution in real time
High resolution cameras can now capture haze and air pollution activity in real time and post it online
Robo-raven morphs its wings to back flip in mid-air
A flying robot that can move each wing independently is capable of precise aerial manoeuvres that mimic a real bird's abilities
Stunning fossils: The seven most amazing ever found
Dinosaurs in mortal combat, an ichthyosaur birth, a fish catching a fish-catching pterosaur: these seven fossils show prehistoric beasts living and dying
UV rays damage skin hours after exposure to sun
Sunlight triggers cancer-causing DNA damage in the skin hours after you've gone inside. An "evening-after" sunscreen might combat the effect
Stellar intruder's daring fly-by of the solar system
A nearby star passed within a light year of the sun 70,000 years ago, close enough that early humans could have seen it
Crunch time for Mars One to avoid two-year delay
The ambitious Dutch firm hoping to make a reality TV series out of their attempt to colonise Mars has just months to decide whether the plan will go forward on schedule
If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndication department first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing options available for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to.
