杏吧原创

Mysteries of the malt: Robert Burns knew all about whisky, he worked as an exciseman. As Scots drink a toast to their most famous poet, chemists are sampling the secrets of Scotland’s most famous drink

Japan’s quest for the brainy computer: Western computer manufacturers have shown little interest in the concept of neural networks-devices that perform like the human brain. Japan, meanwhile, is preparing for a 10-year programme of development

The dam that should not be built: India is building the largest dam in Asia in a valley beset by earthquakes and landslips. Seismologists say the site is too dangerous, but engineers are using discredited data to push ahead with construction

Hooked on horoscopes: We may not be able to persuade people that astrology and graphology are nonsense. But psychology, with the help of a showman, reveals why they are so popular

Can we stop the databank robbers?: More and more valuable information is stored on computer networks. Keeping out vandals and thieves has become a priority

Cold fusion II: the story continues – Many scientists think that fusion carried out in a test tube is nonsense. But a good look at recent results reveals that the reaction is real

Cold fusion I: the discovery that never was – At last, the bubble of cold fusion has burst, leaving behind a sticky story of intrigue, false facts and wrong inferences

An international charter for investors?: Moves to devise a world patenting system have been unsuccessful so far. But the growth of regional agreements on intellectual property has revolutionised national patent offices

Parcelling maths and physics up with string

Whatever happened to cold fusion?

Topologist at the top: After years at the forefront of mathematical research, Sir Michael Atiyah now heads two great pillars of the Establishment, Trinity College Cambridge and the Royal Society

The musical mind: How do we perceive music? Do Mahler and Madonna have anything in common? A forthcoming television programme reveals some of the answers

The decline and fall of a national heritage

On the saving of the species: No one knows how many million species exist on Earth or how to save them all. But scientists agree that extinction is not just a biological problem