Science

Douglas Millard on the clocks, maps, gears and valves that sparked academics' love of science

Chris McManus on our spitting image

Many researchers believe a 'gut instinct' can be as powerful a tool as logic and academics should acknowledge its role in their work. Matthew Reisz reports

BBSRC money fosters multidisciplinary teams to build UK strength in synthetic biology, writes Chloe Stothart

In her new role at Edge Hill, psychologist Tanya Byron is keen to encourage troubled young people to excel in education

Computers and lasers are compelling proof that researchers' flights of fancy can pay off, but policymakers prefer to fund work with obvious economic merits. Matthew Reisz asks whether the sky should be the limit

AHRC chief tells angry academic entrepreneurialism is no threat to basic research. Zoe Corbyn reports

Complementary therapies can and should be studied with scientific rigour, argues David Peters, so that medicine as a whole may benefit

Lecturer develops a 'more enriching' way of dealing with student plagiarism. Rebecca Attwood explains

Raquel A. G. Reyes explores the fascinating world of the human senses and their cultural diversity

Funding could fall behind inflation and discourage high-flyers, official says. Chloe Stothart reports

With physicists desperate to reverse cuts, a lot rides on Bill Wakeham's review. Zoe Corbyn writes

Hefce restates its case for blue-skies cash in a bid to circumvent potential cuts, reports Zoe Corbyn

The Earth is suffering from CO2 overload. Anthony Giddens asks how we can limit climate change

Partners lost confidence as licensing decision hurt commercial prospects. Melanie Newman reports

Consultation to increase mobility highlights desire for common treatment, reports Chloe Stothart

Indian Prime Minister wants a return to traditional strengths of higher education. John Gill reports