There may be an underground tomb hiding next to the Giza pyramids
It might be a hidden doorway, but experts aren’t sure
The surprising truth behind the 10,000-step myth – and what you should aim for instead
Powering yourself to fitness in 7,000 easy steps
The six little red dots that nearly broke the Universe
The discovery of these unidentifiable objects threatened to break our understanding of the cosmos
This new experiment could take us closer to a theory of everything
A new experiment could reveal how quantum mechanics interacts with Einstein's theory of general relativity
New issue: Chill out, Earth
The last 10 years on Earth have been the hottest since records began. To make matters worse, 2024 was the first calendar year that was, on average, 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial era. This will come as no surprise to anyone who follows the news. Summer is now synonymous with heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. But the numbers were confirmed at the start of the year in a report published by the World Meteorological Organization – a ringing alarm for those who can influence society’s carbon emissions.
There were smidgens of hope in the report. One of the factors at play was El Niño, an enormous weather pattern that was particularly active over the last two years, functioning like bellows to a scorching planet. Plus, CO2 emissions, despite reaching a record level in 2024, have plateaued over the last decade. Though that modest achievement, most analysts would agree, won’t be enough. The carbon needle needs to move the other way, and fast.
Trail-blazing climate action is needed, but exactly what form that action could take is one of the questions being asked by ARIA, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency.
In this issue, we explore the ambitious projects aiming to cool the planet.
Four-day work week could boost your health and help the environment
Reducing your working hours could improve your quality of life and even bring environmental benefits
Here's what your dog's TV watching habits say about their personality
Coming up next on the Dog Channel: Paw & Order
The plague is 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?
Yellowstone eruption: This is how a supervolcano explosion will unfold
Fresh clues beneath one of Earth’s most powerful supervolcanoes reveal how it could explode – unleashing global devastation
Astronomers have spotted a solar system being born for the first time
This discovery marks the earliest building blocks of planets we've ever seen taking shape around a star
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 2025
Welcome to our regularly updated curation of the coolest, smartest kit money can buy.
Science news
The surprising truth of how land, not ice, is now driving sea level rises
The world’s driest regions are merging – and the consequences are global
This cat-borne parasite could be causing you to make bad decisions. Here's how
The parasite hijacks our brain chemistry and can lead to both rage and risk-taking
Eating this breakfast staple every day could lower your cholesterol
This new study is no yolk
Having only boys or girls sometimes runs in the family. Here's why
There's more that goes into what sex a child will be than just chance
Future technology
US meat could soon be gene-edited. Here’s what that means
Genetically modified pork could be hogging space on your plate next year. But is it truly safe, or something to squeal about?
Here's what we still don't know about microplastics in your body
Sorry, Orlando
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
What would a fusion energy disaster look like?
A nuclear fusion disaster would be nothing like a nuclear fission disaster
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
This bizarre underwater 'blue dragon' fights with stolen jellyfish venom
These blue sea slugs spend their lives hanging from the surface of the ocean
Do dogs really understand the words used on soundboard buttons?
In some online videos, dogs seem to have conversations with their owners by pressing buttons on soundboards
How can I look after my knees as I get older
Here's how to improve the strength of your knees, to reduce stiffness, aches and pains as you get older
How much does the average human body cost?
How much would it cost to make you from scratch? Spoiler: not much
How does background radiation affect particle detectors?
The strange science of radioactive steel and sunken treasure
Why do we feel emotions in different parts of our bodies?
Where in your body do you feel anger or pride?
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.