Water ‘came from asteroids, not comets’

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Earth's water is more likely to have come from asteroids that hit our planet billions of years ago than comets, say researchers.

Neanderthal ‘art’ brings them closer to us

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Markings dating back 40 000 years suggest Neanderthals were considerably more sophisticated than previously thought.

Maybe it didn’t start with a Big Bang?

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Astrophysicists cast doubt on what recently was deemed a breakthrough in confirming how the universe was born.

Genetic study sheds light on health

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

The most comprehensive study of Mexican genetics to date has revealed a vastly diverse and nuanced genetic landscape.

Human Mars programme doomed - study

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Nasa has been warned that its mission to send humans to Mars will fail unless it revamps its methods.

Jet stream could prompt harsher winters

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

A warmer Arctic could permanently affect the pattern of the high-altitude polar jet stream, resulting in longer and colder winters.

The ageing space lab of opportunity

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

The International Space Station is crucial to advances in science, health and technology, experts say.

What sunspot cycles mean for Earth

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

The surface of the sun has been surprisingly calm of late prompting curious scientists to wonder just what it might mean here on Earth.

Landing is key in Mars trip plans

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

A three-day meeting has brought together Nasa experts for talks focused on exploring the neighbouring planet.

Dream of Mars exploration achievable - experts

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Nasa and private sector experts now agree that a man or woman could be sent on a mission to Mars over the next 20 years.

Polio virus is ‘enemy of humankind’

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Sixty years after the first successful polio vaccine trial, the disease has been wiped out, but violence and lack of cash keep it from disappearing.

A fine line between life and death

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Health experts are urging the United States and other countries to boost their ability to identify fake or subpar medicines.

Study shows how bacteria adapt and thrive

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Researchers have disproved a long-held theory about how some bacteria survive antibiotics.

Falcon 9 ‘fully fuelled and awaiting launch’

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

SpaceX has readied a fresh bid to become the first private firm to launch a craft to the space station.

That’s a negative for lift-off

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Engineers have aborted the launch of a privately built spacecraft on a landmark mission to the International Space Station at the last second.

‘You can't simulate the ISS on the ground’

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Elon Musk, the Internet entrepreneur and owner of SpaceX, admits he has a case of pre-launch jitters.

Nasa ramping up private sector’s role

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

SpaceX’s demonstration flight to the ISS in April is a key test for the private sector, following Nasa’s decision to axe its space shuttle program.

US unveils new graphic anti-smoking campaign

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

The US has unveiled a hard hitting anti-tobacco campaign using graphic images of the physical damage caused by cigarettes.

Growing concern for drugs feed to animals

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Drugs fed to animals to promote growth and prevent diseases may play a key role in the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, say microbiologists.

New launcher design for Mars mission

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Nasa has unveiled its plans for a massive new launcher capable of powering manned space flights well beyond low-Earth.

Nasa savours shuttle’s end

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

Astronauts and space agency chiefs circled the orbiter as it rested on the runway, gazing at the vessel as it bathed in the morning sunlight at Kennedy Space Centre ...

Nasa delays shuttle launch

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

The launch of the US space shuttle Endeavour was delayed at least 48 hours due to a technical failure, Nasa said.

Human brains ‘have shrunk’

Jean-Louis Santini|Published

The study has puzzling scientists who argue it is not a sign we are growing dumber.