Male and female spiders pair up to look like a flower

22 March 2024

Together, a dark-hued male crab spider and a larger, paler female resemble a flower, in what researchers suspect is the first case of cooperative mimicry

Why giving AI a robot body could make its ‘brain’ more human-like

21 March 2024

At its AI conference, Nvidia announced new software and hardware for AI-powered humanoid robots: a model called Project GR00T and a computer called Jetson Thor

SpaceX’s Starship created a volcano-like explosion in first launch

21 March 2024

The Starship rocket destroyed its launch pad during its first launch attempt in 2023, and the explosion resembled a powerful volcanic eruption, spraying sand and chunks of debris over a huge area

Organic farms seem to trigger more pesticide use on conventional farms

21 March 2024

Insects tend to be more abundant on organic farms than conventional ones, which may cause the pests to spill over into neighbouring fields, prompting these farmers to increase their pesticide use

The science of the waterways: England and Wales

21 March 2024

6 July 2024 – 7 days for £1898 per person. 

Explore the science of the waterways of England and Wales while visiting six of the seven wonders of the UK's waterways, including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Standedge Tunnel and Bingley Five-Rise Locks.

Marvel at the engineering work and learn about the history of this 200-year-old network of canals that was originally built to transport industrial goods between towns and cities. Encounter locks, swing bridges, tunnels and aqueducts and explore quaint villages, insightful transport museums and majestic industrial heritage sites.

You will be accompanied throughout by waterways expert and enthusiast Roger Butler, who has written for canal and industrial heritage magazines, including features about key landmarks such as the Pontycysyllte Aqueduct. He will give a number of talks and walking seminars throughout, covering topics including:

• Canal history and heritage
• The hidden world of canal architecture
• Birmingham – more canals than Venice!

This tour is perfect for those with an interest in engineering, transport systems, transport history or technology or for those looking to learn more about these fascinating fields of science. 

In partnership with Kirker Holidays.

Pig kidney transplanted into living human for the first time

21 March 2024

A genetically modified pig kidney has been successfully transplanted into a living human – and the recipient is expected to leave hospital soon

Sulphur dioxide from Iceland volcano eruption has reached the UK

21 March 2024

A huge plume of sulphur dioxide from the latest eruption in Iceland is drifting across Europe, but it isn't expected to cause any significant harm

Teen sweat has distinct chemical make-up with notes of musk and urine

21 March 2024

Teenagers and babies produce different chemicals in their sweat, which may be why infants are generally considered to smell sweeter

Food costs more because of climate change - and it will get worse

21 March 2024

Rising temperatures are predicted to drive up food inflation by between 0.9 and 3.2 per cent a year by 2035, as crop yields suffer from extreme heat

Be immersed in the groundbreaking discoveries that are transforming our understanding of the universe

21 March 2024

Join our one-day masterclass and hear from experts at the forefront of astrophysical research. Be immersed in the groundbreaking discoveries that are transforming our understanding of the universe and rewriting the cosmic narrative.