Science news
An invisible smoke is spreading across US cities – and making people more violent
Wildfires not only wreck homes and livelihoods, new research suggests that their smoke may affect mental health – and cause an increase in violent crime
Mini world near Pluto is far more active than it should be – and experts are baffled
A ghostly atmosphere has been detected around a minor planet beyond Neptune
Deadly fungal storms are now sweeping the US – and spreading a disease few doctors recognise
And the problem is just getting worse
Experts have found a new type of cholesterol. And it could be the most dangerous
Experts have found a new type of cholesterol. And it could be the most dangerous
Future technology
What's the worst thing you can do for the planet online?
Before blaming chatbots for everything, here’s what really dominates your online carbon footprint
Scientists have invented a way to erase bad memories. But should we?
We may soon be able to delete bad memories for ever. But forgetting comes at a cost
You fart 32 times a day on average. Scientists built this underwear to prove it
A new (under)wearable sensor sits in your pants and sniffs your farts, in the hopes of revealing clues about your gut health
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
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
Do any animals hoard treasure?
Meet the bearded vulture, known to use man-made objects in its nests which last generations and now act as 'natural museums'
Is climate change making turbulence worse?
Hope you're stocking up on sickbags
A 'Jesus Christ lizard' has been filmed running on water – and the footage is incredible
Meet the 'Jesus Christ lizard' that can run on water (science hasn't yet discovered if it can turn that water into wine, as of yet)
Would an increase in rocket launches harm the ozone layer?
Does the increase in rocket launches to space have an impact on the ozone layer? Deterioration is a major cause for concern
What is the interstitium?
Some scientists argue that the largest organ in the human body is the interstitium, which is something of a controversial opinion
Does my brain live a little in the past?
Does your brain live in the past? Here's how the brain processes and smooths over out-of-date sensory information
Science photo galleries
*HUBBLE 36th ANNIVERSARY GALLERY*
From star‑forming pillars to colliding galaxies, Hubble’s most iconic images reveal how the universe is built, evolves and continues to surprise.
From 83 to 15,000 years old: The longest living animals on Earth
From mole rats to Greenland sharks, here are the creatures with unusually large lifespans.
*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.
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
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
