Home

Earth may be trapped inside a giant void in space, say scientists

Discovering we're living alone could solve one of the biggest problems in space science
more

Your brain’s biological age can predict how long you’ll live, study finds

A new blood test could reveal how fast your organs are ageing – and what that means for your health
more

Alien civilisations may be able to spy on us. Here's how

Radar used to track aeroplanes could also be broadcasting our location to nearby extraterrestrials
more

Fungi could be conscious. Here's what that means

New research on fungi suggests they could be demonstrating some form of intelligence, but not all experts are convinced.
more

New issue: Chill out, Earth

The last 10 years on Earth have been the hottest since records began. To make matters worse, 2024 was the first calendar year that was, on average, 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial era. This will come as no surprise to anyone who follows the news. Summer is now synonymous with heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. But the numbers were confirmed at the start of the year in a report published by the World Meteorological Organization – a ringing alarm for those who can influence society’s carbon emissions. There were smidgens of hope in the report. One of the factors at play was El Niño, an enormous weather pattern that was particularly active over the last two years, functioning like bellows to a scorching planet. Plus, CO2 emissions, despite reaching a record level in 2024, have plateaued over the last decade. Though that modest achievement, most analysts would agree, won’t be enough. The carbon needle needs to move the other way, and fast. Trail-blazing climate action is needed, but exactly what form that action could take is one of the questions being asked by ARIA, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency. In this issue, we explore the ambitious projects aiming to cool the planet.
more

Here's what a 3,000-year-old mummy actually smells like

Scientists have discovered what mummies smell like and it's surprisingly not too bad.
more

This 'explosive' squirting cucumber can launch seeds at nearly 30mph

Nature's most explosive cucumber fires out its seeds to give them their best shot in life
more

Alpha males are the exception, not the rule, bold new study claims

Clear-cut male dominance is surprisingly rare in our animal relatives – and many females hold more sway than expected
more

Scientists uncover (very) creepy reason humans first kept pet cats

Our relationship with our feline friends may not have gotten off to the best start…
more

The 5 biggest women's health myths that need to end

The healthcare system wasn’t built for women. Here’s why that needs to change
more

Top reads

Science news

Future technology

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.

Your questions answered

Our team of scientists, doctors and experts answer your burning questions - send yours to questions@sciencefocus.com

Science photo galleries