Editor's note

Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge has set a new world marathon record, slashing 78 seconds from the existing record. Michael Joyner argues that Kipchoge's performance confirms the physiological potential to run even faster under the right conditions - and perhaps even in less than two hours. Less certain is whether the person who achieves that milestone will be Kipchoge or someone from a new generation of champions.

Julius Maina

Regional Editor East Africa

Top Story

Kenyan long distance runner Eliud Kipchoge sets a new world record at the Berlin Marathon. EPA-EFE/Hayoung Jeon

Why Kipchoge’s spectacular Berlin run sets the stage for faster marathons

Michael Joyner, Mayo Clinic

Under the right conditions marathons could be run in under two hours.

Politics + Society

World politics explainer: the Iranian Revolution

Mehmet Ozalp, Charles Sturt University

The Iranian Revolution was a hard-fought battle for those in favour of the Islamist model of governance, inspiring similar movements that have had varying degrees of success across the region.

Armed by the Kremlin, Gazprom could be the new force in Syria when the troops leave

Nicolai Due-Gundersen, Kingston University

Armed and backed by some of the world's largest known oil and gas reserves, Gazprom would be more powerful than US mercenaries such as Blackwater, and also closely linked to the Kremlin.

Health + Medicine

Why pandemic influenza is so deadly – revealed

Aartjan te Velthuis, University of Cambridge

Pandemic and bird flu viruses are more deadly than seasonal flu. Scientists may have finally discovered why.

Why we’re looking for cancer clues in urine

Barbara Guinn, University of Hull

A urine test for ovarian cancer could increase survival rates from 20% to 90%.

Business + Economy

  • Sending help where it’s needed most after disasters

    Johanna Amaya Leal, Iowa State University

    The billions of dollars worth of aid dispatched every year to alleviate the suffering and damage after earthquakes and hurricanes would do more good if it didn't get clumped up.