Muse

Stephen Hawking’s paradoxical finding that black holes don’t live forever has profound, unresolved implications for the quest for unifying theories of reality.

It’s far from obvious how to tell whether a quantum computer can outperform a classical one, says Philip Ball.

Don't let the catchy name distract you, says Philip Ball: the questions inspired by this arguably misnamed phenomenon go to the heart of quantum theory.

There might be more to the reputation of these instruments than can be easily assessed with blind testing, says Philip Ball.

Papers from 2015 are a tougher read than some from the nineteenth century — and the problem isn't just about words, says Philip Ball.

Theoretical models of how science works provide valuable insights, says Philip Ball.

Understanding the role of state-sanctioned killing does more than illuminate the social evolution of “pre-modern” cultures.

An improbable rumour has started that the observatory has already made a discovery — but even if true, the signal could be a drill.

Experiments that give subjects the illusion of having an invisible body could reveal how we respond to the ensuing temptations, says Philip Ball.

Can brain scans ever tell us why we like art?

A provocative study linking religious disbelief to analytical thinking requires some careful analysis itself, says Philip Ball.

Statistical analysis can reveal election fraud, a paper says. But the problems with democracy go deeper, argues Philip Ball.

Reputations emerge in a collective manner. But does this guarantee that fame rests on merit, asks Philip Ball.

As shown by its latest claim of 'alien bugs', the Journal of Cosmology has at least been an entertaining diversion, argues Philip Ball.

Philip Ball asks whether scientists are addicted to using imagery at the cost of misleading the public and themselves.

If heat is needed to kickstart life, water may be the only crucible, argues Philip Ball.

The emotions teeming inside the works of the Romantic composers may have neurological explanations, as a recent meeting explored. Philip Ball tuned in.

The finding that religion scarcely influences moral intuition undermines the idea that a godless society will be immoral, says Philip Ball. Whether it 'explains' religion is another matter.