The iPS cells, which have many of the same basic properties, do not raise the same ethical questions as embryonic stem cells because they come from skin or now fat cells that have been reprogrammed to go back in time, so to speak, and have the ability to turn into any other kind of cell in the body.

CNN: Study: Human fat yields multipurpose stem cells

However, although the properties of these basic chemical reactions have been measured and understood to the nth degree, no one has been able to show from first principles exactly why lead and lead dioxide tend to be so electropositive and electronegative.

ECONOMIST: Einstein and car batteries

According to the Social Care Department, the legislation would give it the power to take action against a small minority of irresponsible landlords whose properties did not achieve standards of basic decency.

BBC: Isle of Man's private rental sector standards views sought

Noble has come up with a way to adhere pure silver to a basic textile, which allows the fabric to take on the chemical properties of silver.

CNN: Silver secret behind golden hopes