‘Missing law of nature’ explains evolution of everything in the universe
A multi-disciplinary team of scientists and philosophers have unveiled what they term “a missing law of nature.” This concept broadens the scope of evolution, traditionally understood in the context of biological life, to all complex systems in the universe.
The great silence: why haven’t we found any aliens yet?
Given the size and age of the universe, it should be full of species with technology far more advanced than our own. So where are they?
‘An equal and habitable world is possible’: a planetary vision
Humanity can raise living standards, reduce inequality, and keep global heating within 2C. Bold policy proposals include sharp reductions in working hours, a change in diets, and a shift from materially intense industries to education and health.
Our tech overlords are planning for a ‘transhuman’ future
A new belief set is uniting some of the wealthiest men in the world around a ‘transhuman’ future. It would be a mistake to understand these weird worldviews as an ultimately harmless take by techies who grew up on a diet of dystopian science fiction.
Why apes are more like us than we ever thought
A series of stunning findings about great apes’ mental capabilities in recent years has transformed how we see our closest relatives.
How our rampant greed for oil is causing mayhem
Oil has empowered capitalism and some of the world’s most exploitative regimes, says George Monbiot. Move away from it and we can solve some of the key issues we face,
Compost modernity!
How do we loosen modernity’s grip when we’re still dependent on its tools? The answer is solarpunk – joining technological development to ecological and biological principles to serve the good of the whole.
Mapped: how the world is losing its forests to wildfires
Wildfires now destroy twice as much tree cover per year as two decades ago – a crisis fuelled by climate change.
Inside the perennial grain revolution
Scientists in Kansas believe Kernza could cut emissions, restore degraded soils, and reshape the future of agriculture.
Experts say seismic waves can check soil health and boost yields
‘Soil experts have now convened the Earth Rover programme, which uses seismology – a technology used for measuring down to the Earth’s crust, understanding earthquakes, and detecting hydrocarbons – to assess soil for the first time.
How oldest American civilization survived a climate catastrophe
Archaeologists in Peru have found evidence showing how the oldest known civilization in the Americas adapted and survived a climate catastrophe. About 4,200 years ago severe drought forced the population to leave the ancient city of Caral and resettle nearby.
Creatures burst back to life in Toronto waterfront
A project to restore coastal wetland leads to astonishing discoveries of a host of life: seeds and plant scraps, as well as water fleas, worms, larvae, and plankton.
Jane Goodall obituary
Jane Goodall’s pioneering studies of chimpanzees and her environmental activism have had a profound effect around the world.
1m-year-old skull points to earlier origins of modern humans
A million-year-old human skull suggests that the origins of modern humans may reach back far deeper in time than previously thought and raises the possibility that Homo sapiens first emerged outside Africa.
NASA: Perseverance found possible biosignatures in Martian rock
NASA’s Perseverance rover has identified a potential sign of past life on Mars — not a definitive detection, but perhaps the most compelling hint yet. A rock found on Mars last year continues to show signs consistent with past microbial life.
Can AIs suffer?
As first AI-led rights advocacy group is founded, industry is divided on whether models are, or can be, sentient.