Time might not exist – and we're starting to understand why
The closer we look at time, the stranger it gets
This is the easiest natural way to improve your skin, suggests study
A new study has shown that eating more of an essential nutrient can improve collagen production and skin health
Can animals smell death?
How one fallen creature can set off a chain reaction of chaos
Our global protein supply is under threat. These genius new farming methods could be the answer
Forget muddy boots… the future of farming is virtual
Are breakfast cereals actually healthy?
While some breakfast cereals deliver little more than sugar, others can be a vital source of vitamins and minerals
New issue: Lost in Space
Imagine having access to a time machine. You could experience historical events first-hand – and finally get to the bottom of all manner of mysteries. Although we can’t travel back in time physically, with a good telescope – like the James Webb Space Telescope – we can essentially see back in time. That’s almost as good, right? Take, for example, the very first stars, which formed around 100-200 million years after the Big Bang. Their sudden appearance set the stage for the Universe we see today, triggering a chain reaction that’s still occurring. And by uncovering the oldest objects in the cosmos and examining their unique makeup, we can retrace the chemistry and physics of creation. Those first stars should be easy to spot thanks to their special compositions, and stellar archaeologists (a cool job title, if I’ve ever heard one) have been seeking them for a long time. But as Dr Emma Chapman explains in this issue, the reason we haven’t found them yet could be because we've not been looking for the right things. What we have found, is that so-called 'ancient stars' aren’t behaving quite as we expected. So far, our search into the deep past has raised more questions than answers.
I zapped my vagus nerve every day for a month to fight anxiety. Here's what happened
Can a wearable neuromodulation device that delivers small electric shocks banish anxiety?
11 surprisingly simple, expert-backed fixes for dramatically better sleep
Everyone has trouble sleeping from time to time, even sleep scientists
Humans are absolutely terrible at reading dog emotions, study finds
Our emotions can play a big part in how we respond to our furry friends – but not in the way you might think
Massive volcanic eruptions may have actually caused the Black Death
New research suggests that a combination of volcanic activity, cold summers and famine brought the deadly plague to Europe
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
This ‘digital brain’ could soon simulate ethically forbidden experiments
This very complicated computer model was designed to help teach us about our own brains
How to beat social anxiety and actually enjoy your office Christmas party
A festive survival guide for those who’d rather hibernate
Major ‘megafires’ are now primed to ignite across the US. All it needs is a spark
The US is a tinderbox, just waiting to go up in flames
A dementia vaccine could be real, and some of us have taken it without knowing
Getting vaccinated against shingles could protect you from getting dementia, or slow the progression of the disease, says a new study
Future technology
The 25 most powerful ideas of the 21st century (so far), picked by the world’s top thinkers
We asked the world's foremost minds to highlight some of the game-changing scientific breakthroughs shaping our world since the year 2000
This magnet-powered micro-robot could soon swim through your bloodstream
It's steered using magnetics, like a tiny remote-controlled bubble zooming through your bloodstream
7 ways to keep your personal data safe, according to cybersecurity experts
The Online Safety Act has thrust VPNs into the spotlight, but what are the best ways to protect your identity online without relying on one?
Scientists have almost cracked the secret language of animals. Here's what they've learned
We’re on the verge of decoding animal communication. Here’s what we’ve learned so far – and how AI could finally help us decipher their languages
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
Can chemicals in clothing mess with my hormones?
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in clothing and in rugs can disrupt your hormone levels. Here's what you can do about it
What is the most dangerous fish to eat?
Pufferfish is considered the most dangerous fish to eat; it is poisonous, potentially fatal. But if sliced properly, it can be quite tasty
Should I keep my car keys in a faraday box?
Car thieves are coming up with new ways to steal keyless vehicles, could keeping your fob in a faraday box stop your car from being stolen?
How should you talk to someone who has just lost a pet?
Just as with human bereavement, losing a pet can cause intense grief
I keep having nightmares. Should I be worried?
Some recent research has made headlines by linking frequent nightmares to an increased risk of dementia. Should we be worried?
How does the timing of puberty affect a person's long-term health?
New research suggests that the timing of your puberty may affect your long-term health, including heart disease, diabetes and asthma
Science photo galleries
30 astonishing close-up images that make the smallest things look epic
Life in stunning detail
31 jaw-dropping space photos that will change how you see the Universe
The strange, stunning and sometimes surreal beauty of our cosmos
15 of the world's weirdest-ever inventions
From the V-shaped bed designed by an exercise legend, to a robot that feeds you tomatoes
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
From 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina: 15 unforgettable photos of Earth from space
As its mission ends, we look back at Landsat 7's most stunning and revealing images – a visual record of a world in constant change
Top 10 most dangerous roads in the world 2025
Fasten your seatbelts and hang on for dear life.