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Editor's note
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A recent peace deal between the Colombian government and FARC rebels has opened up remote areas of the country that were once too dangerous to visit. But some local environmentalists are worried. Where they see beautiful landscapes full of new species to discover, less scrupulous loggers and miners simply see a chance to make a quick buck. Jane Feeney wonders if Colombia can build peace without sacrificing its biodiversity.
Thanks to our partners in North America, we have a number of eclipse-related articles
for you to enjoy following last night’s excitement across the Atlantic. On Mars, meanwhile, another natural phenomenon has scientists gripped. Fluffy, glittering snow is surely one of the most beautiful weather phenomena on our planet. It’s even more special when you consider that snow is actually quite rare in the solar system. But a new study now suggests that there are nighttime snowstorms on Mars. It shows that powerful downdrafts of air could even help this snow reach the surface, turning the red planet white. David Rothery explains.
Intermittent fasting diets such as the 5:2, where eating normally for five days is alternated with two days of eating restricted calories, certainly have millions of fans. But what does the science say? Nick Lesica says it’s more than just the latest fad. Not only does the data so far suggest part-time fasting works to cut weight, but animal studies also show some promise for treating diabetes.
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Will de Freitas
Environment + Energy Editor
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Top story
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Ondrej Prosicky / shutterstock
Jane Feeney, Trinity College Dublin
It is a delicate – and dangerous – moment for one of the world's most ecologically important nations.
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Science + Technology
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David Rothery, The Open University
Scientists used to believe that snowfall could never reach the ground.
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Anders Drachen, University of York
Digital games now know you so well they can predict your behaviour.
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Constantine Sandis, University of Hertfordshire; Richard Harper, Lancaster University
Asking whether machines can really understand us is meaningless.
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Health + Medicine
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Nick Lesica, UCL
Research into intermittent fasting suggests it's not a health gimmick.
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Andrew George, Brunel University London
Using the right metaphor in science is important.
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Kevin Arbuckle, Swansea University
Venom from lizards such as the Komodo dragon has the potential to treat heart attacks, strokes and blood clots.
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Arts + Culture
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Roger Culver, Colorado State University
The sun was worshiped as a deity in many cultures – and witnessing it get extinguished could be a particularly terrifying event.
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Education
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Elizabeth Bailey, University of York; Emma Marsden, University of York
Why language diversity should be celebrated in schools.
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Politics + Society
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Mark Clapson, University of Westminster
The bell is a noisy and much loved national icon.
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Gerhard Kemp, Stellenbosch University
There is no basis in customary, conventional international law or domestic law for the spouse of a head of state to claim - as a right - some form of immunity when visiting a foreign state.
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Scott Lucas, University of Birmingham
Trump's former chief strategist has returned to his media roots. And he has more than a few grudges.
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Suraj Lakhani, University of Sussex; Maura Conway, Dublin City University
New research has tracked how quickly Twitter accounts linked to extremism are being suspended.
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Business + Economy
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Mark Chadwick, Nottingham Trent University
Piracy has risen and fallen with the ages, but international cooperation is the common factor behind their defeat.
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Featured events
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Jubilee Library City Centre, Brighton , Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom — The Conversation
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Room 3.08 Scott Russell Building, Research and Enterprise Services, , Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH144AS, United Kingdom — Heriot-Watt University
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New Town Theatre, Freemasons' Hall, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, EH2 3DH, United Kingdom — Bangor University
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University of Stirling, Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom — University of Stirling
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