News, Seven Days, News Q&A and News Explainer in 2013

Filtered starlight reveals an otherworldly chemical haze.

First comprehensive global-impact project shows that water scarcity is a major worry.

No plans to build next-generation accelerator despite large investment by US agency.

Nature takes a look at what is in store for science in the new year.

The secrets to its success are lasers, magnets and a big pinch.

This week in science: Europe launches star-mapping mission, GSK to phase out physician fees, and geneticist Janet Rowley dies.

Survey of dinosaur family tree finds that most had scaly skin like reptiles.

Critics say putting low-performing countries in charge of research centres will compromise institution-building effort.

Round-the-clock space-weather warnings will protect satellites and help prevent blackouts on Earth.

Formula combines flagship species with lesser-known groups to measure value of hotspots.

Worlds around other worlds may be habitable.

Previously unknown species found to aid tree pests' survival, opening way for new control methods.

Researchers use electroconvulsive therapy to disrupt recall of specific events.

Benefits and risks of ‘gain-of-function’ work must be evaluated, they say.

Amborella sequence might help to explain why flowering plants conquered Earth.

Spectral technique promises to enable mass measurement for planets around faint stars.

The procedure could aid assisted reproduction.

Decline can mean 80% of data are unavailable after 20 years.

Approach could complement current treatments.

Our editors' picks among the longer journalistic reports of the year.