On top of being certified agents of chaos, orange cats are now officially DNA weirdos

Some scientists are arguing that sleep recommendations should be adjusted to suit cultural norms

A details-oriented memory could signal a more creative mind

A new study may have uncovered the Red Planet’s long-lost water – and a fresh lead in the search for life

For decades, Hollywood has mined hypnotism as a cinematic trope, often portraying it through a lens of mystery, manipulation and mind control that reinforces enduring stereotypes far removed from its real-world practice. But scientists, too, have been looking into hypnotism for over a century now, and the more we learn about it, the more we’re finding it has potential for pain relief, both mental and physical. The thing is, that potential depends largely upon your ability to be hypnotised. In this issue, award-winning science writer David Robson sees if he can fall under hypnotism’s spell and, if so, how it could make doing his work a little easier.

From bull semen to a commercial airliner, it doesn't get much weirder than this

Thanks, science

These hummingbird-sized bugs can spray urine three times faster than a human

Despite its reputation as the main villain against heart health, cholesterol is still widely misunderstood

Limiting ourselves to a small portion of pork or chicken per week would allow the world to eat a healthy and sustainable diet