![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article6149408.ece/alternates/w300/Connor.jpg)
Steve Connor
Steve Connor is the Science Editor of The Independent. He has won many awards for his journalism, including five-times winner of the prestigious British science writers’ award; the David Perlman Award of the American Geophysical Union; twice commended as specialist journalist of the year in the UK Press Awards; UK health journalist of the year and a special merit award of the European School of Oncology for his investigative journalism. He has a degree in zoology from the University of Oxford and has a special interest in genetics and medical science, human evolution and origins, climate change and the environment.
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![Scientists based many of their ideas for the self-folding, crawling robot on the Japanese art form origami Scientists based many of their ideas for the self-folding, crawling robot on the Japanese art form origami](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655537.ece/alternates/w140/23-Origami-Seth-Kroll.jpg)
Self-folding 'origami' robots could be the future of space exploration or search-and-rescue
07 August 2014 07:04 PM
They sound like real-life transformers – the toys that can change from one shape into another – but these robots are perhaps more akin to the flat-packed world of an Ikea catalogue.
![Scientists regrow nerves in paralysed rats' spinal cords using human cells Scientists regrow nerves in paralysed rats' spinal cords using human cells](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655428.ece/alternates/w140/Rats-Getty.jpg)
Scientists regrow nerves in paralysed rats' spinal cords using human cells
07 August 2014 05:00 PM
Skin cells from an 86-year-old man have been turned into nerve cells that were able to grow within the damaged spinal cords of paralysed rats – raising the prospect that the technique might one day be used to treat paraplegic patients with spinal injuries.
![Many older people do not get enough Vitamin D because of lack of exposure to sunlight, or poor diet Many older people do not get enough Vitamin D because of lack of exposure to sunlight, or poor diet](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9652833.ece/alternates/w140/web-dementia-getty.jpg)
Vitamin D: Low levels ?can double dementia risk’
06 August 2014 09:05 PM
Experts advise that supplements may protect ageing population from devastating brain illnesses
![Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko seen from a distance of 150 miles Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko seen from a distance of 150 miles](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9652786.ece/alternates/w140/web-rosetta-1-getty.jpg)
After 10 years, Rosetta closes in on comet – but is there a place to land?
06 August 2014 03:47 PM
European space scientists are poised to make one of the most important decisions of the Rosetta mission following the spacecraft’s successful rendezvous yesterday with the comet 67P/Churnyumov-Gerasimenko at a distance of more than 250 million miles (402m km) from Earth.
![The Crispr editing produced healthy red blood cells The Crispr editing produced healthy red blood cells](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9650334.ece/alternates/w140/web--bloc2od-cells-RF-corbis.jpg)
Gene correction technique could revolutionise treatment
05 August 2014 07:11 PM
Scientists have performed a “seamless” correction to a faulty gene behind an inherited form of anaemia using a revolutionary new technique in genome editing that could transform the treatment of many genetic diseases.
![Yoshiki Sasai, pictured in Tokyo in April Yoshiki Sasai, pictured in Tokyo in April](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9650076.ece/alternates/w140/web-sasai-gettyv3.jpg)
Japanese stem cell scientist Yoshiki Sasai found dead in apparent suicide
05 August 2014 04:57 PM
A leading stem cell researcher in Japan has been found dead at his laboratory in an apparent suicide after months of pressure over a controversial study that had to be retracted because of scientific errors.
![Sir Alec Jeffreys discovered a method of showing the variation in the DNA of individuals 30 years ago Sir Alec Jeffreys discovered a method of showing the variation in the DNA of individuals 30 years ago](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9647869.ece/alternates/w140/Jeffreys-Getty.jpg)
Inventor of genetic fingerprinting Sir Alec Jeffreys wins Copley Medal
05 August 2014 12:00 AM
The inventor of genetic fingerprinting, which has transformed forensic science since it was discovered 30 years ago, has been awarded the oldest scientific prize in Britain.
![Horses are believed to use their eyes and ears to direct others to sources of food, research has found Horses are believed to use their eyes and ears to direct others to sources of food, research has found](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9647872.ece/alternates/w140/11-Horse-Rex.jpg)
Not straight from the horse’s mouth – only its eyes and ears
04 August 2014 06:00 PM
Scientists have discovered the secrets of equine communication
![Between 2004 and 2012, the suicide rate for American soldiers tripled from 9.6 per 100,000 to 29.2 Between 2004 and 2012, the suicide rate for American soldiers tripled from 9.6 per 100,000 to 29.2](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9644564.ece/alternates/w140/24-solider-getty.jpg)
Prototype blood test will assess for suicide risk in soldiers
03 August 2014 12:00 AM
![Isolated Amazonian indians on the banks of Envira River in Brazil Isolated Amazonian indians on the banks of Envira River in Brazil](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9643530.ece/alternates/w140/Amazon-2.jpg)
Remarkable video shows first contact between Amazon tribes and Brazilian government
01 August 2014 05:37 PM
They are the people that some South American governments would prefer to ignore. Sometimes the very existence of uncontacted tribes in the dense Amazon rainforest is denied – especially by the loggers, drug traffickers and oilmen who make money from the land on which these people have lived for hundreds if not thousands of years.
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Baroness Warsi resigns over Gaza conflict saying she 'can no longer support Government policy'
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Baroness Warsi sparks a Tory rebellion over Gaza conflict
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Scottish independence TV debate: First blood to Alistair Darling as he clashes over currency with Alex Salmond in televised Yes/No debate
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Iraq crisis: Obama authorises air strikes in Iraq
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Scottish independence: SNP confident ahead of 'charismatic' Alex Salmond's referendum debate
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Exclusive: Ed Miliband warned of Ukip threat to Labour
- 1 Kate Bush tour: Will she still be running up that hill?
- 2 Joan Rivers: 'Palestinians deserve to be dead'
- 3 Grace Dent on TV: Only happy campers in a portrait of the soggy-sandwich brigade
- 4 Tomas Rosicky interview: I still owe so much to Arsenal
- 5 Israel-Gaza conflict: Garnier apologises after 'girly' care packages sent to female IDF soldiers sparks boycott threats
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![The Independent Digital Edition apps Have you tried new the Independent Digital Edition apps?](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/independent.co.uk/assets/images/Independent_apps_puff600x220.gif?v4)
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9643484.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/i100-sponosred-features_renting.jpg)
i100: 17 things you won't miss about renting with friends
The housemates who label everything... and more.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9599692.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/fashion_happy_sf.jpg)
#fashionhappy film competition
Calling all fashionistas! Enter our film competition to win a £2,000 Westfield Gift Card plus an internship at London Live.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9649998.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/Hemocyl_new_SF.jpg)
Hemocyl - a revolutionary remedy for haemorrhoids
Embarrassment leads many to believe they are suffering alone. However half of the UK may suffer from haemorrhoids in their lifetime.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9626411.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sponsored-features3.jpg)
Join the party
With Prudential RideLondon taking place on 9 and 10 August, it is worth finding out where the best places to spectate are during the weekend
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9615590.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/westfield-sponsored.jpg)
Update your holiday wardrobe
Update your holiday wardrobe with tropical prints, the perfect pair of sandals and some seriously stylish swimwear to make a splash in. Bon voyage.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9626414.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/sponsored-features2.jpg)
Sun Set Style
After a hard day spent sunbathing, breeze into dusk with relaxed separates and sunset hues. Polish it off with shimmering details and an Aperol spritz
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9254456.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/editme.jpg)
Get the look. See the trends.
Westfield and Snapfashion team up to create a new digital styling tool. Create a style board or browse this season's trends. #editme.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article6279337.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/comps.jpg)
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
![](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8199962.ece/ALTERNATES/w300/IBM.jpg)
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Day In a Page
![Ebola outbreak: Liberia - a country plagued by fear](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655414.ece/alternates/w148/v225-Liberian-EPA.jpg)
Liberia - a country plagued by fear
![Self-folding 'origami' robots could be the future of space exploration or search-and-rescue](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655537.ece/alternates/w148/23-Origami-Seth-Kroll.jpg)
Scientists make flatpack robots that assemble themselves
![Doctor Who: Deep Breath, BFI Southbank, TV review: Peter Capaldi’s Doctor may just be the best yet](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655677.ece/alternates/w148/14-Capaldi-PA.jpg)
Peter Capaldi’s Doctor may just be the best yet
![The clippings of a 300-year-old, 150ft yew hedge can save the lives of cancer patients](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655550.ece/alternates/w148/rexfeatures_174023c.jpg)
A yew hedge is saving the lives of cancer patients
![Robert Aickman's cult horror books are being resurrected for the centenary of his birth](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655444.ece/alternates/w148/35-Aickman-National-Portrait-Gallery.jpg)
Robert Aickman's horror books are being resurrected
![10 best fragrances for summer](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9654615.ece/alternates/w148/fragrances.jpg)
Heaven scent: 10 best fragrances for summer
![Paul Scholes column: 'It might upset people... but I say it as it is'](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655244.ece/alternates/w148/Paul-Scholes.jpg)
Paul Scholes column: 'It might upset people... but I say it as it is'
![A team-by-team guide to the Championship season 2014/15](https://web.archive.org/web/20140809213909im_/http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9655701.ece/alternates/w148/66-City-Getty.jpg)