Does it take too long to publish research?

Scientists are becoming increasingly frustrated by the time it takes to publish a paper. Something has to change, they say. Kendall Powell

The spectrum of sex development: Eric Vilain and the intersex controversy

The geneticist built a career studying aspects of sex that make some people uncomfortable. Now things are getting uncomfortable for him. Sara Reardon

On the hunt for a mystery planet

Scientists are searching for an unseen world at the fringes of the solar system. Alexandra Witze

The quiet revolutionary: How the co-discovery of CRISPR explosively changed Emmanuelle Charpentier’s life

The microbiologist spent years moving labs and relishing solitude. Then her work on gene-editing thrust her into the scientific spotlight. Alison Abbott

How to raise a genius: lessons from a 45-year study of super-smart children

A long-running investigation of exceptional children reveals what it takes to produce the scientists who will lead the twenty-first century. Tom Clynes

The secret history of ancient toilets

By scouring the remains of early loos and sewers, archaeologists are finding clues to what life was like in the Roman world and in other civilizations. Chelsea Wald

Should you edit your children’s genes?

In the fierce debate about CRISPR gene editing, it’s time to give patients a voice. Erika Check Hayden

The sparrow with four sexes

Elaina Tuttle spent her life trying to understand the bizarre chromosome evolution of a common bird — until tragedy struck. Carrie Arnold

Can a video game company tame toxic behaviour?

Scientists are helping to stop antisocial behaviour in the world's most popular online game. The next stop could be a kinder Internet. Brendan Maher

24 hours at the X-ray factory

Behind the scenes at Europe’s massive synchrotron — where science never sleeps. Richard Van Noorden

Credit: Illustration by Matt Murphy