Nasa takes giant leaf for mankind

Simon Usborne|Published

Nasa's giant leaf for mankind was more than a gift to fun-starved headline writers, writes Simon Usborne.

Running out of time? Maybe not

Simon Usborne|Published

Extra seconds, along with leap years, are a crude way of keeping our day in synch with Earth and its seasons.

The forgotten heroes of SARS

Simon Usborne|Published

The only barrier to this devastating pandemic were healthcare professionals. They knew the risks of exposure, yet many made the ultimate sacrifice.

Space Mountie Hadfield retires

Simon Usborne|Published

Chris Hadfield, who captivated millions with his version of David Bowie's Space Oddity, has announced his retirement from the space programme.

'So you can fly up to space? Big deal!'

Simon Usborne|Published

If there were any doubt that Britain's first official astronaut could be cool under pressure, he proved it in the face of weirdly aggressive questioning.

Return of the space mountie

Simon Usborne|Published

Chris Hadfield, who is preparing for his return to Earth after six months in orbit, has become a star thanks in part to a grasp of technology.

Why do we shrink-wrap cucumber?

Simon Usborne|Published

In a new book Stephen Aldridge and Laurel Miller unpack various myths to show how, done well, packaging can please the planet.

The slow shall inherit the Earth

Simon Usborne|Published

What is it about these tree-hugging mammals that have wrapped their furry arms around the internet?

The way of the water saver

Simon Usborne|Published

How much water do you use in a day? Simon Usborne measured his usage, and was shocked.