Here’s what we’re getting wrong about prostate cancer
Does screening more men for prostate cancer actually save lives?
Here’s what makes some people easier to gaslight, according to a neuroscientist
Everything we believe about the world can be manipulated, says a hypnosis expert
The top 22 most ugly animals in the world, in pictures
Not all creatures can be beautiful, but they all have interesting stories to tell
How much weight fluctuation is normal?
And how to do it right
New issue: Rethinking hypnosis
For decades, Hollywood has mined hypnotism as a cinematic trope, often portraying it through a lens of mystery, manipulation and mind control that reinforces enduring stereotypes far removed from its real-world practice. But scientists, too, have been looking into hypnotism for over a century now, and the more we learn about it, the more we’re finding it has potential for pain relief, both mental and physical. The thing is, that potential depends largely upon your ability to be hypnotised. In this issue, award-winning science writer David Robson sees if he can fall under hypnotism’s spell and, if so, how it could make doing his work a little easier.
How to be more attractive: 6 surprising lessons from science
From rollercoasters to butternut squash, there are plenty of ways to become more alluring
The mystery of this 10,000-dinosaur graveyard may have just been solved
Buried in the forests of Alberta, Canada, lies one of the densest dinosaur bone beds ever found
Ginger cats are genetic freaks, confirms science
On top of being certified agents of chaos, orange cats are now officially DNA weirdos
Here's what your nationality says about your sleep needs
Some scientists are arguing that sleep recommendations should be adjusted to suit cultural norms
Something very strange is happening inside the Moon: 'Our team was genuinely puzzled'
Scientists have long wondered why the two sides of the Moon look so different. Now we know why
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
Infrared contact lenses let people see in the dark – or with their eyes closed
They could even let colour blind people see more clearly in the future
17 simple ways to lower your risk of stroke, dementia and depression all at once
Think of this like a menu for a long, healthy and happy life
The mystery of lightning may finally be solved
Intense bursts of radiation – usually spotted during explosions in space – may be caused by two charged pathways joining
‘This is revolutionary!’: Breakthrough cholesterol treatment can cut levels by 69% after one dose
The future of heart attack prevention could be as easy as a single injection
Future technology
Deepfakes just got even harder to detect: Now they have heartbeats
A new leap in AI-generated content means deepfake detectors could be falling dangerously behind
The hidden flaw in cryonics that could ruin your shot at living forever
The chances of cryogenically freezing a human brain and then resurrecting its owner remain sub-zero
Inside the bizarre race to secure Earth’s nuclear tombs
With nuclear energy production increasing globally, the problem of what to do with the waste demands a solution. But where do you store something that stays dangerous for thousands of years?
The genius stealth inventions making people, planes and cities invisible
Scientists around the world are working on ways to hide us from sight. But how close are we to developing tech that could make us invisible?
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
Why is my dog scooting?
Here's what your dog is trying to tell you when it's rubbing its bum across the ground.
What's the craziest thing ever stolen?
From bull semen to a commercial airliner, it doesn't get much weirder than this
Why do dogs dig the carpet before going to sleep?
Spoiler: dogs are domesticated wolves
What are earlobes for?
They probably don't help you hear better
What are the Gates of Hell, and why do they keep burning?
Why do the 'Gates of Hell' in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert keep burning?
Why does my stomach drop on a rollercoaster or when I'm driving over a bump?
Here's what could be happening when you feel your stomach drop on a rollercoaster or when you drive over a bump
Science photo galleries
The 13 fastest supercars in the world 2025
If you had an awful lot of money and a fondness for speed, what are the fastest cars you can buy for the road?
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 12 fastest animals in the world
Catch us if you can! From cheetahs to falcons, these speedsters rule the animal kingdom.
The longest living animals on Earth 2025
From mole rats to Greenland sharks, here are the creatures with unusually large lifespans.
Top 10 biggest statues in the world
The tallest monuments found on planet Earth.