Your next cup of coffee could be made from these plant cells. Here's why
Making coffee is resource intensive and an ecological nightmare. So what’s the future? It could be coffee cells.
New ‘exercise pill’ could replace your need to workout
Scientists are developing a pill that mimics the physical benefits of a gym session, without the sweat.
COVID-19 more likely originated from a lab than animals, bold new study claims
Some scientists are trying to get closer to the truth about how the COVID pandemic started – but others question whether that’s possible.
Be more productive: A neuroscientist explains how to actually get more done in less time
There are all sorts of productivity myths out there – but are there any that actually work?
New issue | Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is on the rise. Whether we’re using social media, video calls or a lowly text message to communicate, our interactions have become a lot more complicated since our cave-dwelling days. The pervasiveness of technology and the way we work and live in the modern world means the fear of being socially judged. The constant risk of being rejected is ever-present. Neuroscientist and author Dr Dean Burnett explains exactly what happens when that fear becomes overbearing - and what we can do to alleviate that anxiety.
Can I really make a difference by recycling?
Recycling is just a small piece of the puzzle. Here’s what will really help you battle climate change.
Nature’s weirdest: This honking hammerhead bat has the world’s strangest nostrils
Meet the honking bat that looks like a cross between a horse and Yoda.
Why do dogs like sticking their heads out of car windows?
They're not just feeling the wind in their fur...
What is the deadliest creature in the UK?
Man’s best friend? Yeah, right.
Everest-sized ‘Devil comet’ tonight: How to see the once-in-a-lifetime 2024 event
The 'unused building block of the Solar System' is hurtling towards the Sun, leaving behind a trail of dust and gas. If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse.
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.
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 2024
Welcome to our regularly updated curation of the coolest, smartest kit money can buy.
Science news
Time-restricted eating linked to 91 per cent higher risk of cardiovascular death
Perhaps it's time to stop skipping breakfast.
Time with dogs could help improve your concentration, study finds
Need another excuse to hang out with your hound? Here’s one: scientists have now shown it increases the power of your brain waves.
Male mammals aren’t bigger than females after all - new study
New research reveals that, for most mammal species, males and females are evenly sized.
Daylight saving 2024: When and why do the clocks change?
For those in the US, the dreaded night is back – prepare to lose a precious hour of slumber.
Future technology
The science of Dune | Could we terraform Mars?
Dune is set on a desert planet in a distant star system, where science has enabled humans to live and breathe. Could we use the same technology to terraform Mars?
The science of Dune: Could we really make smart drugs?
'The spice' is an extremely precious commodity that greatly enhances the user's mental abilities. Could we recreate this in real life?
Here's how we could make a real-life Dune force field
In the sci-fi epic Dune, characters carry a portable force field that protects them from speeding projectiles. Could we make one of these for real?
What is Sora AI? Everything to know about OpenAI’s text-to-video tool
Artificial intelligence can now create videos from your prompts, but how does it work?
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 | Why you’re not actually addicted to your phone
Not all social media is unhealthy – here's how to rethink your relationship to it.
Bubonic plague, cholera and measles are all back. Should we be worried?
Many infectious diseases we thought were long gone have all reared their ugly heads again. Are we seeing an unprecedented level of disease re-emergence?
Instant Genius Podcast: | How to reclaim your motivation
Feeling aimlessness? Listless? If so, you could be languishing.
Your questions answered
Our team of scientists, doctors and experts answer your burning questions - send yours to questions@sciencefocus.com
How do IQ tests work?
IQ is useful for measuring a specific cognitive skillset but there's other ways to be smart.
How do peanuts grow?
Peanuts have an alias: Ground nuts. And here’s how they got it.
Why is socialising so tiring?
Socialising sometimes feels like hard work – here are simple ways to overcome it.
How did life on Earth begin?
Earth is unlike any planet we know by virtue of hosting a rich variety of life. But experts are still unsure what got it started.
Are people in comas conscious?
It's usually assumed that a person in a vegetative state has no awareness of the world around them. Dr Adrian Owen, who pioneered groundbreaking research that has proven otherwise, explains why we need to be talking to these patients.
Meteor shower calendar 2024: When to see a shooting star
Your guide to when you can see shooting stars, including how many you can expect to spot.
Science photo galleries
A dazzling new side of nature: The 20 best photos of British wildlife 2024
Take a look at this amazing set of images from the latest British Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
These 10 psychedelic animal scans will change how you see wildlife forever
A major collaborative project has created 3D reconstructions of museum specimens previously hidden away.
Top 10 biggest earthquakes ever recorded
Earthquakes are one of the most deadly natural disasters. Here are the worst humans have witnessed so far.
Year of the Dragon: The world’s stunning Lunar New Year celebrations, in pictures
People gather in ceremonies all around the world to celebrate the Lunar New Year
Top 10 largest rainforests in the world 2024
Rainforests are often referred to as the 'Lungs of the world'. But which is the biggest?
Top 10 largest stars in the Universe
Meet the cosmic beasts hundreds of times bigger than our own Sun.