Ian Sample

At least seven people have died in recent days as people have tried to cool off in Britain’s waterways

Ian Sample hears from senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins and from Nathan Lepora, professor of robotics & AI at Bristol University, who researches how robots can achieve human-like dexterity

It is the end of an idiom for motivational speakers. Instead of shooting for the moon when pursuing life's goals, researchers say people should be advised to aim a little lower if they want the best outcome.

Model created by researchers shows better outcomes are often more likely when people are not too ambitious

An investigation into acts of self-pleasure among parrots and other birds has reached a climax, with the results providing welcome relief for vets and researchers, not to mention the birds themselves.

Study finds activity is not harmful or caused by stress of captivity – and is in fact more common in wild birds

Ian Sample talks to Prof Maiken Nedergaard about her groundbreaking work on the brain’s waste-disposal system and how subsequent research is building a picture of sleep as anything but a quiet, inactive state

John McFall prepares for mission to Haven-1 space station after UK Space Agency signs deal with US startup Vast

The neurologist Orlando Swayne doesn’t suggest everyone can recover. But he does argue that early, targeted and intense therapy can sometimes bring about life-changing improvements – and we have a moral obligation to provide it

Research suggests NHS trusts with higher empathy ratings also benefit financially and have improved staff wellbeing