Cannabis.  It seems that this drug above all others causes the most debate and controversy, especially over whether or not it should be legalised in the UK.  One of the arguments for legalisation is the fact that the active chemicals in the drug (cannabinoids) have been proven to have medicinal properties.

The biggest story in science last week had to be the announcement of the ‘creation of the first synthetic life form’. 

A story that has appeared a lot in British press this week is the report on findings of a major study into the link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.

Global cement production accounts for about 2 billion tonnes of CO2 every year – that’s 5% of all CO2 emissions and more than the entire aviation industry. Now a company has come up with a way of producing cement actually reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

The video above shows the amazing gravity-defying optical illusion that won the 2010 Best Illusion of the Year Contest earlier this week. Using optical illusions in science lessons never fails to amaze students.  This particular one could be used as an engaging starter to any lesson on forces.

No, this is not a post about the return of Roland rat to the music industry but a look at the impact of invasive species.

Smart materials are those that respond to external stimuli such as changes in temperature, pressure and movement. Getting celebrities involved is sure to give momentum to the use of the technology, and the recent appearance of the singer Katy Perry in a light-up dress at a recent awards ceremony will do wonders for the sale […]

It seems that the key is to not eat chocolate or drink fizzy drinks.  Well, that is if you believe two recent news reports.

Repo Men is a film playing in UK cinemas at the moment.  The film is set in the future, where you can buy an expensive replacement artificial organ if yours pack up.  The only downside to this is if you can’t keep up the repayments, the company that supply the organs, The Union, send round […]

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a new species of lizard being discovered in the Philippines.  It seems that this was just a minor find, as scientists in Borneo have recently discovered an amazing 123 new species, including the world’s largest insect – a stick insect 22 inches in length.