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.
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
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…
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
Could hidden dehydration be the cause of your daytime fatigue?
Feeling tired? Your afternoon dip could be low-chronic dehydration
Mysterious 'surge' under Earth crust could reshape world map, study claims
The pulsing will eventually rip Africa apart and create a new ocean
These common 'natural beauty' ingredients are harming the planet
Consumers are right to be sensitive about what they put on their skin, but an emphasis on using 'natural' ingredients could be misleading
Orcas caught 'tongue kissing' in the wild for the first time
They may be the apex predators of the sea, but orcas are total softies when it comes to those they care about
Here's how the powerful lose touch with reality, according to neuroscience
Evidence suggests power, like alcohol, has a tangible effect on the brain. But are its impacts always negative?
An airbag for your head? This inventor thinks inflatable helmets are the future of cycle safety
Commuting safely by bike means finding something to do with your helmet when you reach your destination. A British company thinks you should deflate it
Top reads
101 random fun facts that will blow your mind
Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more.
Could hidden dehydration be the cause of your daytime fatigue?
Feeling tired? Your afternoon dip could be low-chronic dehydration
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.
Science news
The US military’s carbon footprint is mind-bogglingly big. Here’s how they could cut it
The world’s largest fighting force is also one of its biggest emitters
Prehistoric ‘dancefloor’ could reveal how dinosaurs flirted
Everybody walk the dinosaur…?
Here’s how narcissism shapes a person’s social media habits, study reveals
Obsession with social media could indicate the ways a person is obsessed with themselves
The first commercial space station is nearly here. And it could change space forever
Next year, a team of astronauts will enter a new kind of space station – not built by a nation, but by a startup
Future technology
What would a fusion energy disaster look like?
A nuclear fusion disaster would be nothing like a nuclear fission disaster
Will suspended animation ever exist?
The truth about freezing humans: what’s real, what’s next, and what’s still fiction
Is artificial intelligence giving us false memories?
It's only a problem that could get worse
Can humans live under the sea? This live experiment plans to find out
An advanced new research station is being developed to explore the potential for a human settlement under the ocean
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
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.
Are negative-calorie foods real?
Often touted as having zero, or even 'negative-calories', celery does indeed contain calories so it isn't a magical weight-loss food.
How much does the average human body cost?
How much would it cost to make you from scratch? Spoiler: not much
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.
Which animal has the sharpest teeth?
This sharp-toothed creature was similar to an eel and lived 500 to 200 million years ago
What are the best and worst foods to eat on Ozempic?
Semaglutide drugs like Ozempic work by mimicking a fullness hormone, but what you eat can help or hinder its effects
Science photo galleries
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
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
Simply jaw-dropping: The best 31 wildlife photos of 2025 (so far)
From playful polar bears to a kingfisher with a very cold bottom.
The 15 weirdest pictures of nature's smallest animals
Take a look at some of the most stunning insects from around the world.
The 20 best and weirdest nature images of 2025 (so far)
Featuring hidden bears, fighting beetles and show-off spiders.