Science news
We need to stop shaming masturbating birds, say scientists
Polly wants a… little privacy? A new study has found that acts of self-pleasure among parrots and other birds are perfectly natural, thank you very much
One of the world's rarest (and strangest) sharks has been filmed alive for the first time
Known for its massive retractable jaw, the spooky footage shows the goblin shark lurking deep in the Pacific Ocean
'A huge step forward': This strange Antarctic creature could spark a cancer breakthrough, say scientists
Sea squirts in the Antarctic could offer us a novel way to kill melanoma cells – that is, skin cancer – without harming healthy cells
Mice and rats are now evolving resistance to poison, experts warn
Researchers have found that DNA mutations could be responsible for increasingly stubborn and hard-to-control rodent populations
Future technology
Video: This terrifying, AI-designed robot will never stop chasing you
The ‘legged metamachines’ that absolutely will not stop need to be seen to be believed
Could we create sunlight on demand?
Reflect Orbital wants to help supercharge your solar panels using space mirrors
What really causes autism? We're about to find out
New biotech is helping scientists pull back the curtain on the developing brain and reveal the causes of the condition
Why Silicon Valley is betting big on data centres in space
Space data centres could be a new frontier for humanity, but can the promise live up to the hype?
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 start EFT tapping?
It might be worth giving EFT tapping a go to relieve anxiety
Why you're probably stroking your cat completely wrong (and how to do it right)
Fun fact: your cat probably hates the way you're currently petting them.
Does Earth have a heartbeat?
'Microseisms' are still baffling scientists, decades after their discovery
Have we ever intercepted anything from aliens?
We’ve detected strange things in space – just not aliens. Yet
Why do I fart so much? The science you never knew you wanted to know about flatulence
Where do farts come from, and what happens if you hold it in? Does everybody fart – and what about animals?
What happens when a narcissist crosses a narcissist?
Expect some fireworks
Science photo galleries
These may be the 15 greatest images of the Universe ever taken
From star‑forming pillars to colliding galaxies, Hubble’s most iconic images reveal how the universe is built, evolves and continues to surprise
Top 18 fastest cars in the world: land speed record breakers
Here are the drivers and cars that have broken the world land speed record throughout history
From 83 to 15,000 years old: The longest living animals on Earth
From mole rats to Greenland sharks, here are the creatures with unusually large lifespans.
Artemis II: 21 historic images of the stunning Moon mission launch
It's the most significant moment in spaceflight of the 21st century so far
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
