One of Andy Burnham’s most dramatic-sounding actions in his first days as prime minister has been to eradicate an entire government department. At a time of huge concern about the potential of AI to transform economies and societies, the sudden demise of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology seemed surprising – and led to outraged responses from some in the science community.

But what does it really mean for the future of UK science? UCL’s James Wilsdon, an expert in the governance and management of science and research, offers a reassuring reality check – for those on this side of the Atlantic, at least. “While London rearranges the departmental furniture and dishes out new email addresses,” he writes, “Washington is taking a wrecking ball to the foundations of its public science system.”

Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, researchers are shedding new light on how great apes manage stressful situations by embracing, touching and kissing. Our authors explain that this behaviour dates back at least 6 million years, long before our own species started getting all touchy-feely.

Wherever in the world you are reading this, you are at risk of encountering fake or substandard medicines. Here’s shocking evidence about just how common they are – and how to protect yourself.