Science news
Orangutans seek out the precise plants that fight infection and heal wounds, jaw-dropping study finds
After 20 years of orangutan observations, scientists have discovered that orangutans seek out plants with healing properties
We need to stop shaming masturbating birds, say scientists
Polly wants a… little privacy? A new study has found that acts of self-pleasure among parrots and other birds are perfectly natural, thank you very much
One of the world's rarest (and strangest) sharks has been filmed alive for the first time
Known for its massive retractable jaw, the spooky footage shows the goblin shark lurking deep in the Pacific Ocean
'A huge step forward': This strange Antarctic creature could spark a cancer breakthrough, say scientists
Sea squirts in the Antarctic could offer us a novel way to kill melanoma cells – that is, skin cancer – without harming healthy cells
Future technology
Video: This terrifying, AI-designed robot will never stop chasing you
The ‘legged metamachines’ that absolutely will not stop need to be seen to be believed
Could we create sunlight on demand?
Reflect Orbital wants to help supercharge your solar panels using space mirrors
What really causes autism? We're about to find out
New biotech is helping scientists pull back the curtain on the developing brain and reveal the causes of the condition
Why Silicon Valley is betting big on data centres in space
Space data centres could be a new frontier for humanity, but can the promise live up to the hype?
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
How do female animals store sperm long term?
I'll save this sperm for later, thanks
54 per cent of cultures don't kiss romantically. Here's what they do instead
Kissing holds a special place in many of our hearts and memories but why do we kiss?
What's the best temperature to wash laundry at?
Hot or cold? That is the question
Does Earth have a heartbeat?
'Microseisms' are still baffling scientists, decades after their discovery
This nightmare fish hides beneath the sand... and stepping on it can cause agony for beachgoers
The whitemargin stargazer hides and waits for its prey – the feet of unsuspecting beachgoers
Which animal is most likely to escape from the zoo?
Apart from Feathers McGraw in Wallace and Gromit, of course
Science photo galleries
These may be the 15 greatest images of the Universe ever taken
From star‑forming pillars to colliding galaxies, Hubble’s most iconic images reveal how the universe is built, evolves and continues to surprise
10 terabytes a night: A year inside the telescope rewriting astronomical exploration
One year in, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is already changing astronomy forever, here are its most stunning images to date.
Top 18 fastest cars in the world: land speed record breakers
Here are the drivers and cars that have broken the world land speed record throughout history
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
Top 10 most dangerous roads in the world 2026
Fasten your seatbelts and hang on for dear life
Artemis II: 21 historic images of the stunning Moon mission launch
It's the most significant moment in spaceflight of the 21st century so far
