Time might flow backwards as well as forwards from the big bang
In the multiverse, pocket universes could be born with clashing directions of time – the evolving future of one could happen in the rewinding past of another
How builder bots are taking construction work out of human hands
Innovative architects can now outsource tasks like masonry and site surveys to robots. Will the machine displace construction workers entirely?
Why UK researchers hope to try gene-editing on human embryos
With a decision imminent on permitting UK gene-editing research using human embryos, New Scientist explains the potential pay-off and limitations of the work
Your gut’s trick for controlling the bacteria that live in it
How do our bodies stop gut bacteria from taking over? The first evidence shows our cells send small molecules in to interfere with their genes
Autonomous cars only ease traffic when paired with smart lights
Self-driving cars won't solve traffic alone. We'll need to replace the traffic lights too
Global watchdog needed to spot the next Ebola-like outbreak
A surveillance group and more funding for vaccines could help us move quicker and save lives the next time a potential pandemic emerges
Shark virgin births seen in two generations for the first time
Two surprising new findings are overturning everything we knew about parthenogenesis, suggesting virgin births could be far more common than we thought
Darkness visible: Lighting up the night
A new, almost radical arts festival is coming to London. Tobias Revell basks in its glow
California’s massive methane leak prompts action to capture it
The biggest known leak of a greenhouse gas has shut schools, led to evacuations and caused the state to propose new legislation to make gas wells safer
Male spiders lure aggressive females with peek-a-boo paddle game
A newly discovered species of jumping spider has evolved bizarre paddle-shaped limbs that can be used to calm females for safer mating
