It sounds like something a medieval physician would prescribe to clear up the pox, but 21st-century medical scientists are using bloodsucking, parasitic worms to treat patients with asthma.

Ben Goldacre: Homeopaths would be fine, if they could just shut up about serious stuff, like Aids, or malaria, or MMR.

Japan moved a step closer yesterday to sending someone to the moon by successfully launching the biggest lunar mission since the US Apollo flights.

Probe sets off on biggest lunar mission since the US Apollo flights 40 years ago.

Google has launched a $20m competition to send a robotic mission to the moon.

Non-stick chewing gum which can be washed off streets and degrades naturally in the environment has been developed by a team of British scientists.

The UK must launch a programme to put British astronauts in space or risk missing out on significant scientific, economic and cultural benefits, according to a panel of leading space experts.

The internet company Google has launched an $20m competition to send a robotic mission to the moon.

Computerised speech capable of mimicking any human voice is in danger of unleashing a form of "vocal terrorism", where disinformation is spread by hacking into telephone networks

Rock concerts at some of the UK's most important historic buildings have put them at risk of damage from powerful bass note vibrations, according to research by scientists at Hampton Court Palace.

Computer software "unravels" x-ray images of rolled-up parchment documents.

The UK must launch a programme to put British astronauts in space or risk missing out on significant scientific, economic and cultural benefits, according to a report from a panel of leading space experts.

We don't know yet whether melting icecaps play any role, but scare stories don't help, says Jose Rial

His death has been reported in the New York Times; an internet condolence book has been set up in his memory. So what made Alex the parrot so special - and so controversial? Stephen Moss reports.

· Youngest child at risk of stunted height at age 10 · Findings show eldest likely to have higher IQ

Ancient writings from the Dead Sea scrolls are to be read for the first time by British scientists using powerful x-rays.

· Study finds no danger for adults over shorter period · Advice to ban mobiles for children under eight holds

A 118-year-old cylinder that has been the international prototype for the metric mass, and kept under lock and key outside Paris, is mysteriously losing its weight - if ever so slightly.

Ancient writings from the Dead Sea scrolls are to be read for the first time by British scientists using powerful x-rays.

Children with older brothers and sisters are at risk of having their growth impaired during early life, according to a study of thousands of British families.

A legal loophole that had allowed drug dealers to shrug off incriminating forensic evidence in court has been closed by scientists.

· High levels can change sex of child during pregnancy· Survey of Greenland and east Russia puts ratio at 2:1

Children who eat a diet that has plenty of fruit, vegetables and fish can cut their risk of developing asthma and allergies, according to research that has monitored more than 400 youngsters for the first six years of their lives.

Autism-like behaviour in children is linked to the amount of testosterone they receive whilst in their mother's womb, according to a long-term study of behavioural changes in children.