Science news
Burning ourselves could be how humans evolved so successfully
New research suggests fire was key to human evolution – but not in the way we previously thought
Here’s what your sexual fantasies say about your personality, study claims
Your sexual inner world could be linked with a host of physical and mental conditions
The world’s first AI-only social media is seriously weird. The next may be even stranger
Millions of AI agents are chatting and posting on a social media site where humans can only observe. Soon, we won’t understand a word
Eating oats could lower your cholesterol in just two days, study suggests
The health benefits of a two-day porridge diet lasted for weeks afterwards
Future technology
The 17 worst ideas of the 21st century (so far)
Sorry, Google Glass
Calls, bills and life admin taken care of: Is the AI everyone wants finally here?
The first agentic AI is here and looking to make your life easier. But how far will it go and what are the risks?
So you want to lucid dream? Here's how
New technology aims to help you induce a lucid dream at will, enabling you to enter a state of consciousness where anything is possible. Dare you close your eyes?
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?
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 I swallow my tongue?
Does holding onto someone's tongue when they've suffered a heart attack or fit actually help? Can you swallow your own tongue?
Why are there marine fossils at the top of Mount Everest?
Explorers keep finding marine life fossils at the top of Mount Everest. As weird as that sounds, there's a perfectly good reason why
How many fathers are unknowingly raising children that aren't theirs?
A surprisingly common issue that is occurring around the world.
Why do we get cellulite, and can I reduce it?
Around 80–90% of women develop it after puberty
How do hula hoops stay up?
How do hula hoops stay up? Knowing how the tricky objects work will help you to master the art and hula hoop with the best of them
What's the deepest a submarine has gone?
Submarines have been diving deeper and deeper into the ocean's depths. Will we ever reach the bottom?
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