Books & Arts in 2013

Eus Van Someren welcomes a call to critically evaluate progress in research on this form of dementia.

Tim Radford contemplates three fascinating studies on what it means to be human.

John Gilbey is gripped by the memoir of Chris Hadfield, a former International Space Station commander.

As television's time-bending Doctor Who turns 50, Andrew Jaffe explores time travel in fiction and science.

John Whitfield explores two studies that take us from infant ethics to moral choices faced by adults in society.

Graham Farmelo delights in a study of Albert Einstein's under-appreciated contributions to quantum theory.

As interests vie for the soul of smart cities, Melanie Moses asks: “Smarter for whom?”

Nicola Jones finds a treatise on a proposed global-warming fix intriguing, but isn't converted to the cause.

L. Alan Winters weighs up a call for evidence-based debate on international migration.

A turbulent history of early naturalists and the maritime explorers who hosted them fascinates Andrew Robinson.

Ewen Callaway meets cognitive scientist David Kirsh, who works with choreographer Wayne McGregor.

Philip Ball finds much to engage and surprise in Malcolm Gladwell's study of power and how it is misinterpreted.

Marcus du Sautoy is enthralled by a personal journey into mathematics centring on the Langlands program.

London's Victoria and Albert Museum holds more than 100,000 textile pieces. From next week, all tapestries, lace, kimonos and more not on display will be stored in the new Clothworkers' Centre for the Study and Conservation of Textiles and Fashion. Head conservator Sandra Smith talks about fabric-feasting insects, gas-emitting sequins and leaky, sticky PVC dresses.

Andrew Robinson savours a pair of lively studies on paper and punctuation.