Brian Cox says universe could have 200bn alien civilisations
And other stories from the stranger side of life
Physicist Brian Cox has said there could be as many as 200 billion alien civilisations in the universe. As speculation grows that we are not alone, the space expert said: “There have to be other civilisations in the universe. I can’t imagine we are the only one.” Speculating on what form these civilisations may take, he added: “We’d all like ET to be real. We’d like ET to arrive. But we don’t want Darth Vader coming down.”
Worms survive 24,000 years in Siberian frost
A microscopic worm-like creature, which has thrived for millions of years without having sex, has now been shown to endure for at least 24,000 years in Siberian permafrost before reproducing. Experts say the bdelloid rotifers, which have a complete digestive tract that includes a mouth and anus, survive by halting all activity and almost entirely arresting their metabolism. Their persistence has led to them being dubbed an “evolutionary scandal”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Massive dinosaur discovered down under
A new species of dinosaur discovered in Queensland has been officially recognised as the largest ever found in Australia and among the biggest in the world. It is believed that the Australotitan cooperensis, a plant-eating dinosaur of the family known as titanosaurs, lived between 92 million and 96 million years ago. Experts said the colossal creature would have been up to 6.5m (21ft) tall and 30m long, or “as long as a basketball court”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Climate change is threatening Florida's Key deer
The Explainer Questions remain as to how much effort should be put into saving the animals
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in November, from 'Dune: Prophecy' and 'A Man on the Inside'
The Week Recommends A new comedy from 'The Good Place' creator, a prequel to 'Dune' and the conclusion of one of America's most popular shows
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Daniel Lurie: San Francisco's moderate next mayor
In the Spotlight Lurie beat a fellow Democrat, incumbent Mayor London Breed, for the job
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published