China’s export restrictions may boost scientific innovation

In guinea pigs it can weaken muscles important for hearing

One diminutive design is aimed at children

The resemblance increases over time

Climate change could be to blame

Childhood exposure to a common gut bacterium could be responsible

Some say the trial is unethical. Others, that not doing it would be immoral

But there are lessons to be learned

For now, the evidence for neuromodulation products is slim

This makes it harder to ensure that they remain transparent

New antifungals offer a glimmer of hope

Many will still be culled under false pretences

New research shows just how diverse the ancient city of Dido was

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Small rewards and a change of scenery can help

Science & technology | Artificial diplomatsAI models could help negotiators secure peace dealsSome are being developed to help end the war in UkraineIllustration: Nick Little Apr 16th 2025IN A MESSY age of grinding wars and multiplying tariffs, negotiators are as busy as the stakes are high. Alliances are shifting and political leaders are adjusting—if not reversing—positions. The resulting tumult is giving even seasoned negotiators trouble keeping up with their superiors back home. Artificial-intelligence (AI) models may be able to lend a hand.Explore moreThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “AI and the art of negotiations”From the April 19th 2025 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contents⇒Explore the editionReuse this content

Science & technology | Plastic and healthMicroplastics have not yet earned their bad reputationThere are worrying signs. But more thorough studies of their health effects are comingPhotograph: Fredrik Naumann/Panos Pictures Apr 16th 2025IN 2018 A TEAM of Austrian scientists discovered tiny fragments of plastic, known as microplastics, in stool samples from people in several countries. Since then, such particles have been found in human blood as well as organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart and even the brain. They have also turned up in the placenta and breast milk. And, according to some recent studies, the amount making its way into the body is increasing.Explore moreThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Mixed bag”From the April 19th 2025 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contents⇒Explore the editionReuse this content

Science & technology | Deep freezeScientists are getting to grips with iceClimate change is making water freeze in unexpected waysPhotograph: Science Photo Library Apr 16th 2025Jack Frost is a tricky adversary. As the mercury falls, water’s behaviour becomes erratic, leading to ice and snow with physical properties that can vary enormously depending on environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. That can complicate tasks as varied as developing new ice-repellent materials and predicting the likelihood of an avalanche. New research is suggesting ways to put this slippery field on firmer foundations.Explore moreThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Deep freeze”From the April 19th 2025 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contents⇒Explore the editionReuse this content

Though fume-free, their brake pads and tyres disintegrate over time

Science & technology | Factory resetAI models are helping dirty industries go greenMining companies and steelmakers are feeling the benefitsIllustration: Rose Wong Apr 10th 2025|RotterdamOVER A CENTURY ago, ships leaving Rotterdam’s harbour were among the earliest to be equipped with wireless telegraphy and submarine signalling. Now, Europe’s busiest port is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI). PortXChange, developed by the port and spun out as an independent entity, uses AI to analyse several dozen factors tracking vessels, port emissions and estimated arrival times. A huge source of wasted fuel is the “hurry up and wait” common among ships rushing to arrive at congested ports. This platform helped Shell, an oil giant, reduce “idle time”, affecting departures of barges and bulk shipments across all ports, by 20%. The tool is now being used by companies and ports around the globe.Explore moreThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Factory reset”From the April 12th 2025 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contents⇒Explore the editionReuse this content

Making models less thirsty may not lessen their environmental impact

A startup called Starcloud has plans to do just that

Energy companies are using them to increase efficiency and spot problems

It should make the diets of astronauts more interesting

Simpler to build, lighter and extra range

This annual time shift has long-lasting effects on health

They plan sentences far in advance. They also bullshit themselves when reasoning out loud

A technique that may create a new field of medicine

Overdoing it could give you heart disease or cancer

Science & technology | Dont stop him nowCan Musk put people on Mars?Whether successful or not, his attempt to do so will reshape Americas space programmePhotograph: Alamy Mar 27th 2025HUMAN LAWS can be changed, waived or broken. Physical laws are less biddable. When it comes to putting humans on Mars, which he sees as the first step towards the planets settlement and humankinds salvation, Elon Musk now has little to worry about from human law. Mr Musk has overseen the gutting of the FAA, Americas aviation authority and a sometime obstacle to his company SpaceX, by his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What is more, he stands at the side of an American president who, as well as having little regard for legal strictures, explicitly endorses Mr Musks Martian agenda. In his inaugural address President Donald Trump declared that it was time for Americans to pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars. This was not a one-off. He repeated the aspiration in his address to Congress six weeks later. Explore moreThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline Dont stop him nowFrom the March 29th 2025 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contentsExplore the editionReuse this content