Science news

Most planets in our galaxy are born ‘bloated’, new study suggests
The planets are unlike anything found in our Solar System

The hidden problem with Venezuela’s oil supply
The South American nation has vast oil reserves, but getting them out of the ground will not be easy

These are the most narcissistic countries in the world, study suggests
Plus, why some groups are more likely to be self-obsessed, no matter their nationality

Exercise won’t help you lose much fat. Changing this will
Groundbreaking research is rewriting the science of how we use energy – and why effort alone won’t shift the scales
Future technology

We might finally know what will burst the AI bubble
Many experts and analysts are warning that the AI industry is overvalued and heading for a crash. But why?

Why the Moon's far side is now the prize every country wants
There’s only one place to go if we want to catch sight of the cosmic dawn

How whales, vodka and volcanic ice blocks could soon solve the carbon crisis
From living paint to injecting rocks, scientists have bizarre carbon capture ideas that could help us tackle the climate crisis

1,000 AIs were left to build their own village, and the weirdest civilisation emerged
Inside the strange experiment that turned AI agents into workers, leaders and believers
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

Should I ditch the HIIT?
HIIT exercise isn't for everyone and there's some evidence that you can overdo it. Here's what the experts recommend

Will we ever know how many people died in 9/11?
Health conditions related to the terrorist attacks in New York City are only now making themselves known, more than two decades later

How can I banish the January blues?
Don't let January get you down. Here's how to beat the winter blues

What do my farts say about my health?
Plus, what you can do if you're suffering discomfort

What are some of the spookiest experiments we've ever done?
Definitely best not to try these at home...

Why Christmas with family overwhelms your brain (and how to cope)
Affective labelling and scheduled escapes: the psychological tactics you need for a merry (and sane) Christmas.
Science photo galleries

The 10 best optical illusions that will blow your mind
Optical illusions are fun and intriguing, and we don't always know why they happen. Here are some of our favourites.

The top 22 most ugly animals in the world
Not all creatures can be beautiful, but they all have interesting stories to tell

30 astonishing close-up images that make the smallest things look epic
Life in stunning detail

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.

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