Life Astrophile: Two planets with two suns up odds for life Astrophile is our weekly column covering curious cosmic objects, from within the solar system to the furthest reaches of the multiverse ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ
Online schools: pass or fail? Virtual learning is on the rise in the US, but does it provide children with a real education? Opinion
The golden eye of the James Webb Space Telescope See more: To see the image this article refers to, keep checking Picture of the Day on our news blog Short Sharp Science COULD this be the fairest mirror of them all? It may be the most valuable. This $20-million, honeycomb-like block is one of 18 mirrors that will slot into the James Webb Space … Regulars
Space Neutrinos – the next big small thing With the Higgs safely in the bag, could ethereal neutrinos guide us towards the new physics we are so keenly seeking? Features
Making science fiction a reality See more: An illustrated version of this article will be published within the next two weeks on our CultureLab books and arts blog CultureLab
Enigma Number 1714 Penny-farthing The penny-farthing was a precursor to the modern bicycle. It had one very large wheel with pedals, over which was the saddle, and one much smaller trailing wheel to enable steering. We have some very early film of my great-grandfather riding one he had built. It had a large wheel 6 metres in circumference … Regulars
Feedback: Excessively polite signs Excessively polite signs FEEDBACK is, as regular readers have noticed, much preoccupied with signs. But we have not until now felt the need for a word denoting excessive politeness in a sign. Then a colleague spotted one in Guy's Hospital, London, that said: "Way Out – apologies for temporary sign". It was neatly printed on … Regulars