'Discovery of the century': Experts have found secret DNA that could unlock a cancer vaccine
Mysterious sequences buried in our genetic code are being found to have unexpected effects
The 5 most surprising lessons about cholesterol, according to world-leading experts
From eating eggs to spotting the signs, there’s a lot to get wrong when it comes to your blood fats
'It's extremely controversial': The bizarre, once-shunned idea that could finally cool our heating planet
As Earth's climate continues to warm, experts are increasingly wondering if we could, and should, take more drastic action and start tinkering with the planet in the hope of saving it
A life in pictures: how photography helped one teenager through a cancer journey
Professional photographer LJ shares his experience of being diagnosed, shining a light on cancer and male fertility.
How does coffee change your gut?
Coffee does more than wake you up in the morning
New issue: The dark dimension
Most of the Universe seems to be missing – or at least, we don’t know what 95 per cent of it is. And at this point, my biggest question is, does it matter? Most of the missing stuff (68 per cent) is something called 'dark energy'. It was 'discovered’ in 1998 when astronomers observed that distant supernovae (exploding stars) were dimmer than expected. We knew the Universe was expanding, and so the supernovae should become fainter over time, but we thought that expansion was slowing down. After all, the Universe is full of matter and that matter produces gravity, which should be pulling everything together. Instead, it seemed the expansion was accelerating. So, the physics world decided on a new kind of universal constant, dark energy. It’s a similar story for dark matter (the other 27 per cent). It was something used to fix the difference between what our model was predicting and what we were seeing in the Universe. The trouble is, we’re still nowhere near understanding exactly what either of them are. So, back to my question. Does it matter? Well, we also don’t really know what gravity is, fundamentally, but we know a lot about how it behaves. And that’s the important part – we can model what it does extremely well. This lets us probe planets, stars and phenomena light-years away from us and so it seems to matter less, even as the mystery boils on. But if you would really like to know what’s going on, one set of cosmologists has a wild new theory to help us understand what dark energy could be. Find out what that theory is, in this issue.
Why do I have visual snow?
Do you see a world permanently overlaid with static?
This simple diet change could slow your biological age in just four weeks, study suggests
The answer could lie in the balance of what is on your plate
6 science-backed ways to protect and improve your memory
Forgetfulness doesn't have to be an inevitable part of life
This is the single best way to reduce your cholesterol without statins, according to a leading doctor
You don't need medication to improve cholesterol levels. A few simple dietary tweaks can make a serious difference
Top reads
151 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
8 techniques all anxious people should use, according to a psychologist
Whether in the short- or long-term, there are lots of different techniques that can help you deal with anxiety.
Science news
The one factor that could reveal your relationship compatibility
A shared taste in music is as good an indicator as any, scientists say
These are the US states that will be worst hit by El Niño
From wildfires to floods and storms, different states will be hit in very different ways
Mercury is shrinking faster than anyone thought
Wrinkles on the surface are clues as to the planet’s previous size
Even 'triple-washed' lettuce could be nowhere near as clean as you think, warn experts
As the US suffers a parasite outbreak linked to lettuce, experts share how to enjoy your summer salads safely
Future technology
What if we built a super-collider around the Moon?
Scientists have considered putting a super-collider on the Moon. What benefits would this have over the Large Hadron Collider at CERN?
5 mind-blowing inventions that are already turning humans into cyborgs
A future where humans can lift incredible weights, see in the dark and fly sounds far-fetched, but it’s already here
What will spacesuits of the future look like?
Spacesuits of the future could recycle an astronaut's pee back into drinking water
9 of the world’s weirdest-ever military inventions
From vomit guns to nuclear chickens, these are some truly bizarre ideas that never quite took off
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
Can plants count?
Plants can't count exactly like humans do, but scientists agree that they're capable of some very clever things
How can I make myself more attractive?
It turns out the most magnetic people all share a few simple habits
Are there any other Stonehenges?
Stonehenge is one of many ancient stone circles dotted around the world, in Japan, Australia and even the US
Why do more perimenopausal women get diagnosed with ADHD?
Some women spend decades masking
"Cold-blooded killer": The strange rise of Borneo's 'vampire squirrel'
It's been said to gorge on the hearts and livers of deer and chickens
Can animals get drunk?
The natural world is one big pub, with alcohol on tap from fermented fruits, sap and nectar. Different animals have different tolerance levels
Science photo galleries
These might be the 11 best science photos from the past 30 years
15 of the world's weirdest-ever inventions
From the V-shaped bed designed by an exercise legend, to a robot that feeds you tomatoes
The world’s largest camera has taken its most mind-blowing images yet
One year in, the Vera C Rubin Observatory is already changing astronomy forever
*Koch Institute Image Awards 2026*
From glowing neurons to intricate tissue structures, these award-winning images reveal the hidden beauty driving breakthroughs in modern biomedical research.
10 of the world's worst-ever inventions
From the electric tricycle to parachute coat, these are some of the most poorly received devices developed around the globe.
Artemis II in pictures: 21 jaw-dropping photos, from launch to splashdown
Ten days, one Moon, and a view we’ve waited half a century to see again
