The ancient baths of Pompeii were outrageously filthy, study finds
The pre-Roman baths of Pompeii would have been seriously grotty, according to an analysis of mineral deposits
Mosquitoes are becoming thirstier for human blood, study suggests
Habitat loss may be pushing mosquitoes towards human hosts with deadly consequences
How does being born by C-section affect a child's long-term health?
When babies are born vaginally, they pick up helpful bacteria from their mum as they pass through the birth canal
Virtual reality farming is set to reshape your food supply forever
This is the future of agriculture, where headsets replace muddy boots and cows chill in the Metaverse
How not to raise a narcissist, according to science
Parents naturally want their children to feel special – but showering them with praise can sometimes do more harm than good
New issue: Don't count the calories
January’s long nights, howling winds and unending drizzle that constitute a British winter all seem to scream: stay indoors, get under a blanket and stay very still. But every year, I reach January and the same conclusion as millions of others: it’s time for change. Christmas is what does it. There’s only so much indulgence the body can take. It starts on the 24th when, if you’re lucky, work’s finished and the fridge is full. Over the next seven days, I’ll feast like a Tudor monarch, picking at carcasses, stabbing at cheese and washing it all down with a bit of port (well, someone’s got to finish it). But by New Year’s Day I’ve had enough. Meaningful, lasting change isn’t easy. The science says so. Sure, a fitness influencer will scream at you until they’re Christmas-ham-pink in the face that losing weight is JUST SIMPLE MATHS: burn more calories than you consume, and you’ll lose weight. But your genes, biology and chemistry don’t work like a calculator. There’s more to it. So we’re here to help you construct bite-sized changes that will add up to significant improvements in your health and wellbeing this year.
Here's the only science-backed lesson on exercise you need to lose fat
Think the gym is your only bet for burning belly fat? Emerging research suggests otherwise. So what actually works best... and can you just skip exercise entirely?
How to finally silence your inner critic, according to psychologists
The criticism coming from your inner voice isn’t always the most constructive. But psychologists are working on ways to help your negative self-talk.
Climate change has now shrunk US salaries by 12%. And worse is to come
No matter where you live, a new study has found warmer temperatures are picking your pocket
Your dog might be eavesdropping on your conversations – and learning words from them
Certain dogs can learn words like human toddlers, by listening to family members’ conversations
Top reads
121 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 2025
Welcome to our regularly updated curation of the coolest, smartest kit money can buy.
Science news
75 per cent of US adults could be obese under new definition
The new guidelines highlight people who could be at risk from complications further down the road
Listening to this sound could help reverse Alzheimer’s
The research is in its early stages but offers “encouraging” evidence of a potential treatment
Scientists studied the orgasms of 86 women. Here's what they found
Spoiler: it involves sneezing, crying and nosebleeds
We’ve finally found the mental ‘brake’ behind procrastination
A pesky “motivation brake” may control when we can be bothered to do something, and when we’d rather put it off
Future technology
We might finally know what will burst the AI bubble
Many experts and analysts are warning that the AI industry is overvalued and heading for a crash. But why?
Why the Moon's far side is now the prize every country wants
There’s only one place to go if we want to catch sight of the cosmic dawn
How whales, vodka and volcanic ice blocks could soon solve the carbon crisis
From living paint to injecting rocks, scientists have bizarre carbon capture ideas that could help us tackle the climate crisis
1,000 AIs were left to build their own village, and the weirdest civilisation emerged
Inside the strange experiment that turned AI agents into workers, leaders and believers
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.
Instant Genius Podcast | How personalised medicine is about to change healthcare forever
The new power of precision treatments, explained.
Your questions answered
Our team of scientists, doctors and experts answer your burning questions - send yours to questions@sciencefocus.com
Should I ditch the HIIT?
HIIT exercise isn't for everyone and there's some evidence that you can overdo it. Here's what the experts recommend
Will we ever know how many people died in 9/11?
Health conditions related to the terrorist attacks in New York City are only now making themselves known, more than two decades later
How can I banish the January blues?
Don't let January get you down. Here's how to beat the winter blues
What do my farts say about my health?
Plus, what you can do if you're suffering discomfort
What are some of the spookiest experiments we've ever done?
Definitely best not to try these at home...
Why Christmas with family overwhelms your brain (and how to cope)
Affective labelling and scheduled escapes: the psychological tactics you need for a merry (and sane) Christmas.
Science photo galleries
The 10 best optical illusions that will blow your mind
Optical illusions are fun and intriguing, and we don't always know why they happen. Here are some of our favourites.
The top 22 most ugly animals in the world
Not all creatures can be beautiful, but they all have interesting stories to tell
30 astonishing close-up images that make the smallest things look epic
Life in stunning detail
10 of the world's worst-ever inventions
From the electric tricycle to parachute coat, these are some of the most poorly received devices developed around the globe.
Nature like you've never seen it: 18 jaw-dropping aerial photos
Our planet, like you've never seen it before
This year’s most powerful scientific experiments, in 14 images
The annual Wellcome Trust image award shortlist showcases the most powerful images of global health challenges