Most recent columns

• Of myths and men

  Worries about an apocalypse unleashed by particle accelerators are not new, says Philip Ball. They have their source in old myths, which are hard to dispel.

  2 May 2008

• What's Madonna got to do with it?

  The interests of vulnerable children in institutional care are not well served by the latest bout of dodgy statistical reasoning, says Philip Ball.

  22 April 2008

• Astrology's myopia

  Seasonal effects on birth physiology inevitably raise spectres of astrology. But that's just irrational nonsense, says Philip Ball.

  4 April 2008

• Can you build a 'green' city in the desert?

  The United Arab Emirates has little cause to boast of green credentials, but that shouldn#25;t make us too cynical about its new eco-city, says Philip Ball.

  29 February 2008

• Engineering for the better?

  Many of the grand technological challenges of the century ahead are inseparable from their sociopolitical context, says Philip Ball.

  22 February 2008

• There's no place like home

  ...but that won#25;t stop us looking for the familiar in our search for extraterrestrials, says Philip Ball.

  15 February 2008

• Waste not, want not

  Philip Ball considers the extents to which we will go in scavenging every last joule of energy from our environment.

  7 February 2008

• Calculating the risk on your cash

  Managing risk in financial markets requires better understanding of their complex dynamics. But it's already clear that unfettered greed makes matters worse, says Philip Ball.

  1 February 2008

• The maths behind group showers

  A simple model of the tribulations of hostel shower systems highlights the benefits of human diversity, says Philip Ball.

  18 January 2008

• Wise words from the Vatican

  Popes are not noted for enlightened views on science and technology. But the latest papal statements are encouraging, says Philip Ball.

  20 December 2007