Prejudice, yes
Ignorant, wrong and stupid. That is Valentine Cunningham's view of ministers' attacks on Oxford's alleged 'elitist bias'. Oxford University is being most unfairly vilified for its admissions...
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Why the future lies in a back-to-basics approach
Is basic research being neglected in Spain? Manuel Palacin, whose research has identified genes that carry renal disorders, believes it is. Spanish scientist Manuel Palac!n is concerned that the...
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Cutting edge
Study of the tools and production methods of 2.5 million years ago holds the key to understanding modern technology The way in which technology has developed over the past 2.5 million years is one of...
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Spain makes up for lost time
In our focus on Spanish research, Rebecca Warden reports on a new ministry, new money and the efforts to form links with industry. Spanish science could be described as a late developer now making up...
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Scientists get a taste for technology transfer
A system for preserving library books and a super antenna are just two ideas that have been spun off. A new breed of Spanish scientist is moving out of the labs and into industry. Booksaver, a system...
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Cream of science comes home
Work conditions in Spain are now in line with developed countries and are attracting back the talent, but young researchers still struggle to get a foot on the career ladder. Top Spanish scientists...
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First seeds of civilisation
It was a turning point in human history, the moment when a group of Levantine farmers first sowed seeds of barley before returning at the end of the growing season to reap their harvest. Scientists...
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Why cats can't bear monotony
Cats are fussy eaters. Scientists have confirmed what pet owners have always known - feline diners demand variety and may turn their noses up at a dish if they believe their diet is getting too...
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Butterfly, the total sun block
Claims that "shiny" butterflies carry hightech solar energy collectors on their wings have been disproved. Scientists have found that the iridescence of certain species of butterfly and moth instead...
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A window on ageing
Canny fortune tellers would do well to look deep into their clients' eyes as the ups and downs of their past, and even a glimpse of their future, may be written there. Scientists are investigating...
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Make winners of class acts
What: The new National Teaching Fellowships Scheme is handing out Pounds 1 million to aid the efforts of Britain's best teachers. Why: Annual awards such as these are meant to raise teaching's...
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Star Turn
What do cat and pig cross-breeds and Dark Star have in common? Aristotle, of course. Brendan Howe meets a poetic don who can explain Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man resounds through the...
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Rs and gripes? Head for the US
Alan Jenkins suggests we have much to learn from the US's intellectual excitement over teaching. The three "Rs" are top of the teaching agenda again, but this time they stand for: ranking, rating and...
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Why all-glitz and no know-how is the kiss of death
Ever watched a speaker hovering nervously by his PowerPoint comfort blanket? Jonathan Osborne has seen a few in his time... To PowerPoint or not to PowerPoint - that is the question. You can hardly...
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Derby doesn't do it by the book
Gordon Brewer says electronic libraries can help students on and off campus. University libraries are not what they used to be. Among the bookstacks, banks of PCs are a big attraction. For service...