Stunning new image of black hole at centre of our galaxy revealed
The groundbreaking image shows a strong magnetic field spiralling at the edge of Sagittarius A*.
6 ‘healthy’ foods you may not realise are ultra-processed
A nutrition scientist explains the health effects of some commonly misunderstood products.
Why does melted cheese taste so good?
Another round of cheese on toast, please.
Everest-sized ‘Devil comet’ tonight: How to see the once-in-a-lifetime 2024 event
The 'unused building block of the Solar System' is hurtling towards the Sun, leaving behind a trail of dust and gas. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse.
New issue | Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is on the rise. Whether we’re using social media, video calls or a lowly text message to communicate, our interactions have become a lot more complicated since our cave-dwelling days. The pervasiveness of technology and the way we work and live in the modern world means the fear of being socially judged. The constant risk of being rejected is ever-present. Neuroscientist and author Dr Dean Burnett explains exactly what happens when that fear becomes overbearing - and what we can do to alleviate that anxiety.
Is there any science to low-dopamine mornings?
Why setting rules about your phone use in the morning can help you concentrate on your work
The next generation of drugs could be made in space. Here’s why
A California start-up recently recovered a batch of drugs manufactured by an automated satellite, but what are the benefits and challenges of making pharmaceuticals in orbit?
What is Ashen light?
Trick of the light or naturally occurring phenomenon?
‘Quantum tornado’ could unlock secrets of black holes
A new artificial tornado could lead to breakthroughs in black hole research.
Anti-ageing neuro-tech: The bold new devices built to keep your brain young
Sending shocks to the nervous system has a variety of health benefits. But is it a safe thing to do?
Top reads
101 random fun facts that will blow your mind
Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more.
How to beat anxiety: 8 simple, concrete strategies to take control of your mind
Whether in the short- or long-term, there are lots of different techniques that can help you deal with anxiety.
44 cool gadgets: Our pick of the best new tech for 2024
Welcome to our regularly updated curation of the coolest, smartest kit money can buy.
Science news
Clocks going forward 2024: When and why do the clocks change in the UK?
For those in the UK, the dreaded night is back – prepare to lose a precious hour of slumber.
Auroras tonight: How to spot the 2024 northern lights
A massive solar storm is set to create a spectacular light show tonight, possibly as far south as the midwest US.
Lunar eclipse 2024 tonight: Here's when to see the full Moon spectacle
If you're lucky, also spot a comet at the same time.
Smoking actually increases hidden belly fat, suggests new study
Even if there is no obvious fat, it turns out lifelong smoking could increase an unhealthy fat deep within your abdomen.
Future technology
Ebikes could soon have double the power. Can we expect more fires?
With fires increasing at an alarming pace, will bumping up the power of batteries make them more dangerous?
Your next cup of coffee could be made from these plant cells. Here's why
Making coffee is resource intensive and an ecological nightmare. So what’s the future? It could be coffee cells.
The science of Dune | Could we terraform Mars?
Dune is set on a desert planet in a distant star system, where science has enabled humans to live and breathe. Could we use the same technology to terraform Mars?
The science of Dune: Could we really make smart drugs?
'The spice' is an extremely precious commodity that greatly enhances the user's mental abilities. Could we recreate this in real life?
Instant Genius Podcast
From the creators of BBC Science Focus, Instant Genius is a bite-sized masterclass in podcast form. With each episode, a different world-leading expert will help you understand the latest ideas and research in the world of science and tech. We want to make you an expert in everything.
Instant Genius Podcast | Do you have synaesthesia? Why some of us can taste words
Do you experience sounds or music visually as certain shapes? Or 'hear' colours?
Instant Genius Podcast | Why you’re not actually addicted to your phone
Not all social media is unhealthy – here's how to rethink your relationship to it.
Bubonic plague, cholera and measles are all back. Should we be worried?
Many infectious diseases we thought were long gone have all reared their ugly heads again. Are we seeing an unprecedented level of disease re-emergence?
Your questions answered
Our team of scientists, doctors and experts answer your burning questions - send yours to questions@sciencefocus.com
Why are there 12 notes in an octave?
This one's for the music lovers out there.
If my brain was in my stomach, would I 'think from my stomach'?
Is what we think with the same as where we think from?
How can we still talk to Voyager 2, even though it’s billions of miles away?
In 2018, Voyager 2 became only the second human-made object to enter the space between the stars.
Science photo galleries
A dazzling new side of nature: The 20 best photos of British wildlife 2024
Take a look at this amazing set of images from the latest British Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Male mammals aren’t bigger than females after all - new study
New research reveals that, for most mammal species, males and females are evenly sized.
These 10 psychedelic animal scans will change how you see wildlife forever
A major collaborative project has created 3D reconstructions of museum specimens previously hidden away.
Something very strange is happening to Italy’s underground volcanoes
Earthquakes started to be felt at Campi Flegrei in September 2023. Since then, over 1,100 have been recorded.
Year of the Dragon: The world’s stunning Lunar New Year celebrations, in pictures
People gather in ceremonies all around the world to celebrate the Lunar New Year
Top 10 largest rainforests in the world 2024
Rainforests are often referred to as the 'Lungs of the world'. But which is the biggest?