Early findings in Swedish study show range of chronic olfactory problems in people infected in 2020Coronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageNearly half of those who became ill with Covid in the first wave of infections may have long-term and even permanent changes to their sense of smell, according to preliminary research from Sweden.A sudden loss of smell, or an impaired or...

Crystals reveal the hidden geometry of molecules to the naked eye. Scientists use crystals to figure out the atomic structure of new materials, but many can't be grown large enough. Now, a team of researchers report a new technique in the January 19 issue of Nature that can discover the crystalline structure of any material.

Pioneering physicist whose study of elastomers opened up new technology for creating artificial musclesWe are all familiar with elastic bands and other soft, rubbery materials, but familiarity should not diminish our surprise at their properties. What other solids can be stretched many times their original length without breaking, then returned perfectly to their original shape?The theoretical...

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical conceptsIf you are an alcoholic or addict of some kind and you get amnesia, would you remain an alcoholic? Jane Ricard, AutunPost your answers (and new questions) below or send them to nq@theguardian.com. A selection will be published...

Epidemiologist optimistic that UK deaths and hospitalisations will fall thanks to high immunity levelsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe UK is past the worst of the Covid pandemic but should be braced for some “possible bumps on the road”, according to the scientist who helped shape Britain’s lockdown strategy.Prof Neil Ferguson, a leading epidemiologist at...

Exclusive: Experts aim to find out whether there are hotspots around country where electronic waste is avoidedFrom fancy toys to smartphones, when technology breaks, it often seems simplest to ditch it for a new model.But now experts are hoping to challenge the status quo, launching a citizen science project to explore attitudes to repair, and pinpoint parts of the UK where the mending mindset is...

Deliberate poisoning is likely to blame for the death of dozens of turtles at a lake near Mumbai, Indian wildlife experts told AFP Sunday.

After serious illness, busy lives mean a proper convalescence is now a rarity. But a full and proper recovery takes time. GP and writer Gavin Francis reveals why a sick note can be a ‘powerful prescription’While training to become a GP, Gavin Francis became ill with a severe sinus problem. In acute pain and exhausted as he waited for an operation, he chose to reduce his hours to three days a...