Shine on! Scientists in Germany have turned on the world’s largest artificial sun, an array of high-power lamps so intense they could fry a human being who gets too close. The hope is that the 15-meter-tall machine near the city of Cologne will help generate cleaner sources of energy in the future, including hydrogen fuel made by splitting water into its component elements.

Critical step in anti-aging. A new from University of New South Wales identified a critical step in the molecular process that allows cells to repair damaged DNA. Experiments in mice suggest a treatment is possible for DNA damage from ageing and radiation. It is so promising it has attracted the attention of NASA, which believes the treatment can help its Mars mission.

Blood test for cancer. Researchers at University of Los Angeles, California, have developed a computer program that can simultaneously detect cancer and identify where in the body the cancer is located, from a patient's blood sample.

Mango-shaped sensor. A new fruit-shaped sensor could help cargo companies to keep fruit fresher in transit. The device — which mimics the size, shape and composition of real fruit — is packed in with produce in transit and closely monitors its temperature. It comes in orange, apple, banana and mango varieties, and alerts firms to problems with their cooling processes, allowing them to take action.

Redder than red. The hottest new gadget, the new iPhone 7 (RED) hit the shelves last Friday. The case is red. The buttons are red. The logo is not red, but who’s counting?