The crazy plan to explode a nuclear bomb on the Moon
Mark Piesing Features correspondent Getty Images In the 1950s, with the USSR seemingly sprinting ahead in the space race, US scientists hatched a bizarre plan – nuking the surface of the Moon to frighten the Soviets. The moment astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped out on to the Moon’s surface in 1969 is one of the most […]
The pioneering female astronauts who never saw space
Sarah Cruddas Features correspondent (Nasa) At the height of the space race, a group of highly skilled female pilots trained to go into space – but never made it into orbit. Sarah Cruddas investigates. In April 1959, the newly formed Nasa announced the formation of its first group of astronauts – the Mercury Seven. Over […]
The man who treats ‘phantom’ pain …with mirrors
Srinath Perur Features correspondent (Matt Wilson/Flickr/CC BY 2.0) Many amputees feel excruciating ‘phantom’ pain in limbs they no longer own, leaving scientists puzzled. Srinath Perur cycles round Cambodia with a man treating hundreds of sufferers with an unusual tool – a mirror One of the few Khmer words Stephen Sumner knows is chhue. It means […]
How faecal transplantation is gaining credibility
Bryn Nelson Features correspondent (Science Photo Library) Many find the idea of faecal, or poo transplants disgusting. However a growing body of evidence suggests this could be a lifesaver, as Bryn Nelson reports. This is how far a mother will go. Your daughter has been sick for more than four years with a severe autoimmune […]
Hungary’s Cold War battle with polio
Penny Bailey Features correspondent (Thinkstock) Trapped by conflict and scarred by a failed revolution, Hungary fought one of its greatest battles against the crippling disease, as Penny Bailey discovered. Kisvarda, Hungary, 1954. The summer night was warm, the road outside deserted. No one drove any more unless they were secret police or favoured by the […]
Women in Innovation awards for tech developers in East of England
Janine Machin BBC technology correspondent, East of England Contributed Five women from the East of England are winners of the 2025 Women in Innovation awards Five women from the East of England have won prestigious awards from Innovate UK. Their work is helping to transform early cancer detection and drug development, online experiences for people […]
Lana Del Rey and the struggle to be mysterious in pop
Nick Levine Features correspondent Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) The acclaimed star has always cultivated an enigmatic image – but that has been eroded recently by various public controversies. Is that simply a sign of the times, asks Nick Levine. Lana Del Rey is one of the most fascinating and mysterious artists of her generation. […]
Eight TV shows to watch in April
Eddie Mullan Features correspondent HBO From The Nevers to Mare of Easttown and the return of The Handmaid’s Tale, Eddie Mullan picks the programmes worth seeing this month. HBO Mare of Easttown (Credit: HBO) Kate Winslet’s first TV role in a decade sees her reunite with Guy Pearce, her co-star in 2011’s HBO series Mildred […]
How The End of the F***ing World became a cult TV phenomenon
Channel 4 (Credit: Channel 4) The first series of the British comedy-drama about two teenage outlaws was a huge unexpected hit. Now, as it returns for a second, Hugh Montgomery explores the secret of its success. Such is the sheer volume of TV served to audiences, week by week, in 2019, it is that much […]
the radical, unsung heroine of design
Dominic Lutyens Features correspondent Her sleek dwellings for free-spirited flappers were way ahead of their time. Now the visionary modernist is being celebrated – in a major exhibition in Paris. By Dominic Lutyens. Mention Charlotte Perriand to the average design buff and her name tends to be inextricably, solely linked with Le Corbusier and his […]