Space This week 50 years ago Race to place first satellite Even though cooperation, rather than competition, is the keynote of the International Geophysical Year (IGY), scientists would be less than human if they were not speculating which of the artificial Earth satellites – American or Russian – will be aloft first. The Americans have announced that the launching of theirs … 51¶¯Âþ
Space Comment: Dark energy search threatens astronomy The pursuit of a deeper truth, a fundamental theory that underlies all others, is a powerful motivator in physics. But it's not the only one. Equally valid are curiosity and awe at the richness of nature – at the way seemingly unrelated processes can produce order, beauty and diversity from chaos. The first motivation is … Opinion
Earth Histories: On the road in a giant redwood In 1917 two lumberjacks from the Pacific Lumber Company received a curious request from the backwoods of Humboldt county, California: local resident Charles Kellogg wanted help in hand-sawing a huge chunk cut from a giant sequoia, known locally as the Sierra redwood or simply the Big Tree. Few ordinary customers would ever need a piece … Features
Health Review: Sicko, directed by Michael Moore Rick accidentally saws the tips off two fingers, but can only afford to have one sewn back on. A 9/11 volunteer is denied the care he needs for the lung condition he developed while pulling people from the rubble of the World Trade Center. A man stitches up a gash in his own knee because … Books & Arts
Feedback Science of what Star Wars? "SCIENCE of Star Wars" is an intriguing title for an exhibition, but Feedback is a bit nervous of getting too close to some of the "real-world science" displays, especially the "nuclear pulse engine" and more so the "matter/antimatter powered spacecraft". But if you want to take the risk, you can … Regulars