History of science

John Heilbron obituary

Historian of science whose books, including a biography of Galileo, helped to debunk several myths

Jim Baggott

21, Nov, 2023 @5:03 PM

Were small-brained early humans intelligent? Row erupts over scientists’ claim

Homo naledi was claimed to be artistic, make tools and bury its dead, but warring experts now ask, where’s the evidence?

Robin McKie

22, Jul, 2023 @2:00 PM

Academics find twist in tale of Rosalind Franklin, DNA and the double helix

Authors say scientist’s role was acknowledged at the time of discovery – contrary to popular narrative

Nicola Davis Science correspondent

25, Apr, 2023 @3:24 PM

Medieval medicine: the return to maggots and leeches to treat ailments

The rise in global antibiotic resistance means huge sums are being invested in ground-breaking treatments. But some scientists are turning back the clock in the hunt for effective alternatives

Amelia Tait

26, Feb, 2023 @11:00 AM

Home village hopes ‘greatest Welsh thinker’ finally receives his dues

Events to mark 300 years since birth of Richard Price, a radical who ‘helped build the modern world’

Steven Morris

23, Feb, 2023 @1:35 PM

‘He did not want this’: no rest in quest to end display of Irish Giant

Researchers spurred by injustice explain why 18th century Irish man famed for his exceptional height deserves burial he wanted

Alexandra Topping

14, Jan, 2023 @8:00 AM

Wellcome Collection in London shuts ‘racist, sexist and ableist’ medical history gallery

Medicine Man exhibits included painting of a black African kneeling in front of a white missionary

Robin McKie

27, Nov, 2022 @9:00 AM

The great Coronapause is over, but history tells us that complacency can be a killer | Mark Honigsbaum

Just as in the flu pandemic of the 19th century, waves of infections in the US and Portugal should remind us that Covid shows no signs of going away

Mark Honigsbaum

05, Jun, 2022 @8:30 AM

1855 was driest year in UK history, volunteer research project finds

Citizen scientists helped Reading University analyse millions of rainfall records in first Covid lockdown

Helena Horton Environment reporter

25, Mar, 2022 @7:00 AM

Plastic surgery: why chasing physical perfection always ends in tears

As former supermodel Linda Evangelista reveals her years of anguish after operations, history shows that nature usually wins

Louisa Young

27, Feb, 2022 @10:45 AM

Readers reply: in 500 years’ time, which current scientific theories will be as discredited as flat Earth theory?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

19, Dec, 2021 @2:00 PM

In 500 years’ time, which current scientific theories will be as discredited as flat Earth theory?