ENGLISH libel law, intended to protect reputations, is at times stifling scientific debate – and not just in the UK. In June, we reported how author Simon Singh is being sued over an article in which he questioned the use of spinal manipulation to treat certain childhood conditions. Support for reform is now widespread and has culminated in a review by the UK’s justice secretary. deserves the support of everyone, anywhere in the world, who values the free discussion of ideas.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
3
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
4
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
5
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
6
Why we should all take quantum physics extremely personally
7
Global map reveals the vast scale of underground fungal networks
8
We may finally know why gold stays so shiny
9
First quantum grandfather clock could probe where gravity comes from
10
Antarctica's 'doomsday glacier' collapse may be worse than we thought



