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The coronavirus owes its name to the crown-like projections that encircle the capsid.

Definition

Viruses

For something so small, viruses have a huge impact on the world. They are easily the most abundant organisms on Earth (though the use of the word “organisms” is controversial), found in every environment in vast, mind-numbingly large numbers.

An HIV-infected cell

Health

We now know how much our genes influence the risk of contracting HIV

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Pregnancy scan

Health

Babies are more likely to be conceived in autumn but we don’t know why

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orchids

Humans

Don't miss: Maternal artworks, blooming islands and rewarding maths

Culture

Taking Viagra in early labour reduces the need for emergency caesarean

Health

Taking Viagra in early labour reduces the need for emergency caesarean

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Couple having brunch

Health

Swapping breakfast for brunch on weekends may lead to weight gain

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chimpanzee puppet

Don't Miss: Craft power, killer brain cells and fostered chimps

Culture

A woman

Health

Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy may trigger PTSD and depression

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A group of women

Health

Majority of women who have an abortion don’t regret it five years on

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The global failure to push PrEP is hindering the fight against HIV

Health

The global failure to push PrEP is hindering the fight against HIV

The UN set a target of 3 million people on the HIV prevention drug PrEP by 2020 – but lingering prejudice and sheer ignorance of its existence mean we're nowhere near

Comment

Technology

Metallic hydrogen would be the ultimate fuel - if we can make it

Features

Earth

The best new books, films and games to enjoy in 2020

Culture

Life

Monkeys hiding on a plateau in the Amazon turn out to be new species

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Health

How a Ugandan vet saved hundreds of gorillas by treating human disease

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