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The main opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar said Buhari’s suspension of Onnoghen was “a brazen act of dictatorship” in a clear reference to his army past. (Mujahid Safodien/AFP)

Probe to sniff Martian methane mystery

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter will circle the planet and measure minute levels of atmospheric gases.

Instead of harnessing the bizarre laws of the quantum world to hold a hapless bacterium in limbo

Microbe to be in two places at once

Physicists have drawn up plans to put a living organism in two places at once in a radical demonstration of quantum theory.

Scientists in China have genetically modified human embryos.

Scientists genetically modify human embryos in controversial world first

Scientists in China have genetically modified human embryos that has re-ignited the debate over the ethics and safety of genetic therapies.

Genetics professor Steve Horvath says there is new hope that the body clock can be reset and biological degeneration prevented.

DNA that sets your body clock

Scientists are finding that various parts of the human body wind down at different rates, writes Ian Sample.

An apparent gas attack in Damascus is thought to be the most significant use of chemical weapons since the gassing of Kurds 25 years ago. (AFP)

Damascus: Chemical weapons blamed in massacre

An apparent gas attack in Damascus is thought to be the most significant use of chemical weapons since the gassing of Kurds 25 years ago.

Middle-aged apes may also get the blues.

Apes may have midlife crises too

There comes a time in some men’s lives when the days seem darker and the only sensible response is to blow their life savings on a sports car.

Indian school children hold portraits of astronaut Sunita Williams.

Space commander Sunita Williams breaks records

The first time Sunita Williams climbed aboard the international space station, she had with her a bib from the Boston Athletic Association.

Placebo is the better-known effect

Placebos more than just faith

A new study has found that cues are picked up at a subconscious level and trigger a neurological response associated with past learning.

All about the Higgs: a presentation at the Australian Science Media Centre.

‘I had a nightmare … ‘

The search for the arcane, theoretical particle known as the Higgs boson has occupied thousands of researchers for more than two decades.

Oldest known Mayan charts found in Gautemala jungle

Ancient inscriptions on the walls of a looted house in the Guatemalan jungle are the oldest astronomical charts known from the Mayan civilisation.

Virus research triggers fear

Virus research triggers fear

Scientists are at odds over tests that some say could be used to make a biological weapon.

Croc fossil named after Kipling

<em>Jungle Book</em> author Rudyard Kipling has had his name bestowed upon the skull of the forerunner of the saltwater crocodile in England.

Brain scans put long-term space missions in doubt

Nasa astronauts’ brain scans, who returned from space after a month, have shown dangerous abnormalities that could hamper future space trips.

‘New’ species of human found in Chinese caves

Fossilised remains of stone age people recovered from caves in China may belong to a new species of human that survived until the dawn of agriculture.

Jurassic fleas discovered in Mongolian lake

The remains of giant Jurassic fleas that sucked the blood of ancient animals more than 100-million years ago have been discovered in Mongolia.

And now for the test-tube hamburger

And now for the test-tube hamburger

Scientists say it will be a breakthrough that will reduce the need for livestock farming for meat.

Y chromosome lacks evolutionary X factor

Y chromosome lacks evolutionary X factor

Although the chromosome is in mortal decline, it does not mean the demise of the human male.

First step to reading your mind

First step to reading your mind

Mind reading a reality but it would require your permission and the removal of the top of your skull.

Mind-reading breakthrough as brain scanners boast success

Mind-reading breakthrough as brain scanners boast success

Research done in mind-reading has paved the way for brain implants that could translate the thoughts of people who have lost the power of speech.

Genomes to personalise medical care

US pilot study hopes to help doctors choose better drugs and therapies.