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George W. Bush's administration stands accused of biasing the process by which the US government obtains scientific advice. There is a strong case to answer, but the situation is not as unusual as it might at first seem.
Having overcome problems with reliability, autonomous submersibles are starting to make their mark on marine science. Tom Clarke follows their progress beneath the waves — without getting his feet wet.
With Poland about to join the European Union, some of its scientists are eager to be part of the international mainstream. But others still cling to Eastern-bloc traditions. Quirin Schiermeier reports.
Evidence has been growing that the fundamental particles known as neutrinos oscillate — one type of neutrino can transform into another type. A well-placed experiment now points to the definitive answer.
Radiation and other harmful influences frequently damage our genes, potentially causing diseases such as cancer. New work reveals a surprising mechanism that notifies the cellular defence system about DNA damage.
The first planet beyond our Solar System to be detected by means of the transit method has now been found to orbit its star almost twenty times closer than Mercury orbits the Sun.
Many studies have suggested that the increasing global human population is having a negative effect on biodiversity. According to new work, another threat comes from the rising number of households.
Microscopic particles dispersed in a solvent — a colloidal dispersion — can be a useful model for phase transitions and crystal nucleation. A colloid that can be 'tuned' using an electric field is a valuable new tool.
Differential activation of genes inherited from mothers and fathers will manifest itself as conflict in families. The effects are being explored experimentally with mice.
