CommonPass aims to create common standard proving a traveller is Covid-free or vaccinatedCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageA new digital “health passport” is to be piloted by a small number of passengers flying from the UK to the US for the first time next week under plans for a global framework for Covid-safe air travel.The CommonPass system, backed by the World...

The winning essay in the Max Perutz science writing award 2020 was written by Sarah Taylor from the MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh In May, PhD students who are funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) were invited to enter the Max Perutz science writing award 2020 and to tell the general public “why your research matters”. From the many...

Trials in Essex using GPS-enabled remote-controlled aircraft to carry blood tests and PPECoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageAn NHS drone is being used to courier Covid-19 samples, blood tests and personal protective equipment between hospitals in England.It is hoped that the trials, backed by a £1.3m grant from the UK Space Agency, can establish a network of air...

Alexander Schallenberg might have caught it at EU meeting; calls to ease restrictions in Australian state of Victoria; UK accuses Russia of trying to disrupt vaccine researchCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverage 8.17am BST In the US, the White House quietly told Tennessee early this week that “a statewide mask mandate must be implemented” to curb its growing spread of...

Tiny organisms nicknamed water bears offer clues about possible alien life but the changing climate means their habitat faces an uncertain futureAs we make our way across Greenland’s ice sheets, I look around. We’re surrounded by numerous tiny black holes, some only a few centimeters in diameter, others up to 4-8in (10-20cm) wide. As we advance, we notice that more and more holes are magically...