DeepMind is testing AIs to see how well they understand our thoughts
DeepMind has created a new set of demanding tests for artificial intelligence to probe its theory of mind. No AI has passed it yet, but one was extremely close
Warming seas kill coral – but some are beginning to resist the heat
An experiment in 1970 found that coral bleach and die in warming waters. Now a repeat of the experiment suggests some corals are adapting to rising temperatures
Babies are at risk from air pollution but some pram designs can help
Air pollution is worse for infants than adults. Here are the design features to look for in a pram to protect against it
Puppies treated with CRISPR show improvement from muscular dystrophy
Gene editing has improved muscle function in dogs that have the mutation that causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy in people, and could lead to new treatments
A species of fish has passed the mirror test for the first time
The cleaner wrasse has become the first fish ever to pass the mirror test – a classic experiment used to gauge self-awareness in animals
DNA editing before birth could one day massively expand lifespans
If it becomes possible to make dozens of changes to DNA, future generations could live much longer before they succumb to diseases of old age such as cancer
Are UK teens in the grips of a self-harm epidemic? It’s complicated
A report by The Children’s Society claims one in four teenage girls in the UK are self-harming, but the reality is probably more nuanced
Dark matter blasted by star explosions may explain misfit galaxies
Some misfit galaxies don’t seem to conform to our standard model of the universe, but it may be because star formation and supernovae push dark matter around
Multiple sclerosis drug is first to dramatically cut brain shrinkage
An experimental treatment can nearly halve the loss of brain tissue in people who have the worst forms of multiple sclerosis, for which there are few treatments
A warm-water time bomb could spell disaster for Arctic sea ice
If a rapidly-heating layer of water building up under the Arctic wells up to the surface, it may melt all remaining seasonal sea ice in the area