Joshan Chana

After England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, rainfall has returned, but reservoirs remain at exceptionally low levels. Madeleine Finlay speaks with hydrologist Anna Murgatroyd about how much rain is needed to replenish supplies through the following summer, why drought conditions can increase flood risk, and how people can use water more responsibly.

Researchers have created tiny, quivering cell-like blobs containing laboratory-made DNA that can feed, grow and multiply in a dish. Madeleine Finlay discusses the significance of this advance toward building life from scratch with Guardian science editor Ian Sample and geneticist Kate Adamala of the University of Minnesota, including where synthetic biology may lead next.

Cal Flyn examines the argument that allowing wealthy hunters to shoot high-value game can generate money for African wildlife conservation. The approach is presented alongside criticism that it amounts to neocolonialism, highlighting the ethical and practical dispute over whether trophy hunting can help fund protection of wildlife and wilderness.