Every time a new Jurassic Park film comes out, people like to ask if we’re any closer to making the resurrection of dinosaurs a reality. The answer is usually a disappointing (or reassuring) no. But several discoveries in the last few years have promised a different response.

A new paper does this by claiming to have identified microstructures in fossilised cartilage as the remains of dinosaur DNA. If that were true, perhaps it could be the first step towards bringing the extinct creatures back to life.

But there are some big problems. Not only is it highly unlikely that fragile DNA molecules have really survived more than 66 million years of decay. But there’s also a good chance that any DNA that might be there comes from something other than dinosaurs – modern microbes, for example. Mike Benton examines why the scientists behind the new paper think their discovery is different – and why he’s yet to be convinced.

Elsewhere, we look at the evidence for whether Luxembourg’s recent move to become the first country in the world to make all public transport free will reduce car use. And for the latest article in our series on life’s big questions, we attempt the simple task of finding the answer to happiness: is it in achieving goals or can we be content with a life of simple pursuits?

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