The science stories that shaped 2019
From the first image of a black hole to a detailed survey of sea ice in the Arctic, scientists pick the breakthrough moments that defined the year
Scientists harness AI to reverse ageing in billion-dollar industry
Race on to find proven ways to help people live longer, healthier lives
Snow machines and fleece blankets: inside the ski industry’s battle with climate change
The long read: Hundreds of ski resorts now stand abandoned across the Alps. But some scientists believe they have found a way to keep snow on the ground – and that it could help vulnerable communities all over the world
AI expert calls for end to UK use of ‘racially biased’ algorithms
Prof Noel Sharkey says systems so infected with biases they cannot be trusted
Tigers, elephants and pangolins suffer as global wildlife trafficking soars
Dozens of species are now at risk but a conference this week will showcase new technology that could help stop the illegal trade
Human Nature review – quiet revolution that began in a yoghurt pot
An engrossing documentary about Crispr, a breakthrough in molecular biology with enormous implications for treating genetic diseases
Pointless emails: they’re not just irritating – they have a massive carbon footprint
More than 64m unnecessary emails are sent in Britain every day. Along with clogging up our inboxes they are also damaging the environment
Can we have net zero emissions and still fly?
With the air industry set to grow, can tech advances really help us achieve net zero?
The final selfie frontier: app takes pictures from 36,000km up in space
Cameras mounted on a satellite allow users to take ‘selfies from space’ – on a beach, at a festival or sports event and eventually from anywhere you fancy – if the skies are clear
Hologram-like device animates objects using ultrasound waves
Unlike Star Wars projection, 3D technology whips polystyrene bead round at high speed
Someone, Somewhere review – slow-burn Parisian therapy romance
The meet-cute is neatly postponed in this entertaining story of two next-door neighbours, both seeing therapists and looking for love
AI project to preserve people’s voices in effort to tackle speech loss
Clinic hopes to help those at risk of losing ability to speak maintain sense of identity
Daniel Lobb obituary
Other lives: Designer of optical instruments for spacecraft
Drone-mounted lasers reveal ancient settlement off Florida coast
Lidar crucial to discovery of archaeological remains dating from 900 to 1200 CE: ‘This technology is unbelievable’
‘The challenge was to play like a human’: AI takes on the gamers
Google’s DeepMind beat 99.8% of humans at StarCraft II, but bigger challenge was not giving itself away