Who Owns You?

The commerical exploitation of genes is rising, but should genes be patentable? Vittorio Sgaramella examines the issue and its impact on scientific research.

Heinrich von Kleist

John Banville gives a fraternal nod across the centuries to Germany's neglected literary genius.

Fermat's Last Theorem

Simon Singh recounts the quest to solve the world's notorious mathematical problem.

Sensuous Knowledge

Few buildings have had the impact of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in the Basque city of Bilbao. Charles Jencks went to see for himself.

Is Science a Social Construct?

In what have been dubbed the science wars some sociologists have challenged the objective nature of science and believe it is no better than astrology or folklore. Roger G. Newton puts the scientists' perspective.

Risk and The Risk Society

The Fear of Risk

There is a world of difference between taking a risk and being at risk argues Frank Furedi.

What is a 'Risk (Society)'?

Ulrich Beck offers seven points towards an understanding of the nature of risk and the risk society.

Beyond The Dramatic

Frank Furedi replies to Ulrich Beck

Organised Irresponsibility

Ulrich Beck responds to Frank Furedi

Global Warming

The Political Science of Exaggeration

Patrick J. Michaels and Robert C. Balling Jr argue that the threat of global warming has been grossly overestimated.

Is There Cause For Concern?

John C. King believes that we should act now to avoid the worst consequences of a climate that may become too hot to handle.

Would-Be Worlds

Simulated Reality

John L. Casti is always prepared to wager on the results of his computer simulations of American football matches. But, win or lose, he asks if we can trust such would-be worlds.

Eliza's Daughters

Over thirty years ago the first computer-based character was created. ELIZA was able to conduct a conversation and displayed a Freudian interest in sex and the family. Janet Murray logs on to evaluate attempts at representing character in digital media.

The Prisoner of Hope

Henry Louis Gates Jr interviews philosopher Cornel West about the problems of race and class in America.

One Hundred Years of Modernism

Every day we hear more talk about how the century began, with the simultaneous invention of movies, cars, skyscapers and abstract art. The high culture we call Modernism has been with us for longer than any other cultural-ism since the French began naming them. William Everdell believes it is high time to pin down Modernism's orgins and begin writing its history.

The Vestal Virgin and The Thief of Fire

Pierre Boulez on authenticity and the conflict between tradition and innovation.

Digging Up The Past

Donald Johanson reviews The Wisdom of Bones by Alan Walker and Pat Shipman

Your Place or Mine?

Lewis Wolpert reviews Why is Sex Fun? by Jared Diamond

Ovid Transmogrified

Louis Ryan reviews Tales From Ovid by Ted Hughes

The Beautiful Game

Alan Hudson reviews Football in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano