Alex Hughes
Alex is a staff writer at BBC Science Focus. He has worked for a number of brands covering technology and science with an interest in consumer tech, robotics, AI and the often generally wonderful and weird world of future technology.
Recent articles by Alex Hughes
Incredible new Pompeii discovery reveals the lives of the ancient super-rich
They took saunas to the next level.
Could I really land a plane in an emergency?
Need to emergency land a plane? It just might be possible, even without training.
The 10 weirdest gadgets millionaires are set to buy this year
The biggest tech event of the year has come and gone, here are our picks for the weirdest gadgets announced.
This is the most effective way to quit vaping, according to Oxford scientists
Want to kick the habit? A review of research into vaping could help.
The 10 best (and weirdest) tech trends of 2024
2024 was a big year for tech. While we bettered humanity through tools, gadgets and high-tech advancement, just as many innovations left us fretting for the future.
11 totally ridiculous high-tech gifts billionaires can buy this Christmas
From personal aircraft to sports teams, here’s what billionaires will be buying each other this Christmas (with some more modestly priced alternatives for the rest of us).
Intermittent fasting could significantly reduce hair growth, study suggests
While other health benefits have been connected to intermittent fasting, scientists have now linked it to a reduction in hair growth.
Meteor shower tonight: How to see dazzling Geminid shooting stars 2024
Look to the sky for one of the best meteor showers of the year.
Scientists discover exactly when man and dog became friends
A relationship spanning thousands of years, but when exactly did it start?
Fireball meteor shower: How to see the spectacular November Leonids
Known as one of the best meteor shower events, the Leonids are one you won’t want to miss.
Fireball meteor shower tonight: How to see the Northern Taurids November peak
Full of unusually bright meteors, the Taurids offer a spectacular viewing experience.
The Y chromosome is disappearing. Is this the end of men?
The Y chromosome, responsible for creating the male sex, is on the way out. But something appears to be taking its place.
The 9 weirdest robots in the world right now
Robots are advancing rapidly. But as they learn more and more skills, they just keep getting creepier.
I bought the strangest tech from TikTok Shop. It was a disaster
TikTok Shop offers suspiciously cheap tech. But does it actually work? We found out.
Orionid meteor shower tonight: How to see spectacular shooting stars
One of the most impressive meteor showers is approaching, here's everything you need to know.
Here's what supplements you really shouldn't take together
While some pills are designed to improve your health, some taken together can cause more harm than good.
Once-in-a-lifetime comet tonight: How to see the rare celestial event
This weekend is the last time you'll be able to see Comet A3 in this lifetime.
It’s time we rethink how to solve loneliness
Rates of loneliness are increasing worldwide. But big-tech companies think they have the solution.
Comet of the century tonight: How to see the stunning celestial event
Burning brighter than expected, you won’t want to miss comet A3.
Drinking bottled water is much worse for you than tap, scientists find
Think bottled water is safer than tap water? Think again.
Your GP could be using ChatGPT to diagnose you, a study finds
With the rise in artificial intelligence tools, GPs are turning to the likes of ChatGPT and Google Bard.
Ig Nobel Prize 2024 winners: Pigeon-guided missiles and butt-breathing mammals
Celebrating the weird and wonderful side of science, the Ig Nobel Prizes have been announced for 2024.
Scientists are now covering robots with living skin. Here's why
Researchers hope to make robots look more lifelike by covering them with flesh… and eventually blood.
Crossbreed dogs might not be as healthy as you think, study finds
The largest study ever into the health of crossbreeds is busting myths and changing how we think about healthy breeds.