How we read emotions could reveal a hidden sign of brain ageing
Ageing isn’t all doom and gloom: you may see the world in a more positive light
Cats get dementia too. And they might be the key to new human treatments
New research has found that our feline friends develop dementia in a similar way to human Alzheimer’s Disease, opening the door to further research
How the just right amount of caffeine unlocks lifelong benefits for your body and mind
For many, caffeine is considered a guilty pleasure. But there is growing evidence that our daily fix isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it might actually be doing us some good.
10 times space missions went hilariously wrong
From dropped tool bags to farting astronauts, spaceflight has had its fair share of amusing mistakes and embarrassing oversights
New issue: The galaxies that shouldn't exist
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? There’s nothing better than uncovering the clues to crack a case. A missing button here, a crooked rug there, and does that painting look fake to you? But when it comes to solving the mysteries of the Universe, things are even more complicated. We may now have the James Webb Space Telescope at our disposal, but the more it shows us, the deeper these mysteries become. It’s shown us a surprising number of gigantic galaxies lurking in the oldest corners of the Universe. The trouble is, to reach the sizes we’re seeing, they must have formed earlier than we think is possible. As far as our understanding of cosmology is concerned, finding these galaxies is like finding someone murdered inside a locked room. Luckily, there's a team of astro-sleuths on the case, and they’re using all their deductive skills to explain why we’re finding so many of these very big, very old galaxies – and if they’re really as weird as they appear to be.
Why most diets fail and what to eat to succeed, according to a weight loss surgeon
Ever wondered why the latest fad diets have never helped you lose weight? A surgeon explains the most effective way to drop unwanted pounds.
Hidden belly fat could be ageing your heart – even if you have a healthy weight
Not all fat is equal – where it’s stored in your body matters more than the number on the scale when it comes to heart health
‘It’s just chaos!’: Inside the political unravelling of America’s climate disaster defence system
Staff at NOAA say verbal orders, travel bans and self-censorship are reshaping the agency from within
The weirdest black hole in the Universe could be waking up
The black hole Ansky has some of the brightest and longest flares ever seen
A top secret US spacecraft takes flight tonight – and it could rewrite the rules of future warfare
The X-37B returned to Earth this month, but details of its time in space remain hazy, to say the least.
Top reads
101 random fun facts that will blow your mind
Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more.
How to beat anxiety: 8 simple, concrete strategies to take control of your mind
Whether in the short- or long-term, there are lots of different techniques that can help you deal with anxiety.
44 cool gadgets: Our pick of the best new tech for 2025
Welcome to our regularly updated curation of the coolest, smartest kit money can buy.
Science news
Ocean water is now corroding shark teeth at alarming rate, study finds
“They’re highly developed weapons built for cutting flesh, not resisting ocean acid"
Archaeologists have unlocked new secrets of life in Pompeii
Far from being frozen in time, Pompeii lived on as a fragile community built among the ruins
There's a new type of acid rain – and scientists are worried
This acid is almost impossible to remove from the environment once it’s there
This tiny stone tool may have just rewritten human history
Who left them on this Indonesian island? No one knows... yet
Future technology
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.
This ingenious new invention could mean the end of palm oil
This alternative could protect forests and reduce greenhouse gases, from products small suburban breweries
The 9 weirdest (and most secretive) futuristic weapons
Lasers, AI sentinels and orbital bombers are part of a new technological arms race of futuristic weapons
Here's how astronauts will soon solve murders in space
Houston, we have a homicide
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
Why do cats get the zoomies after pooping?
The science behind 'poophoria'.
Here's what déjà vu (or the lack of it) says about your brain health
Why déjà vu is far from a memory fault – and how some people experience it constantly.
What ever happened with the Bermuda Triangle?
Turns out there's no much truth to the legend.
Do the tides of different seas affect each other?
Thanks to its local geography, this coastal town is affected by tidal forces from two different seas
Here's what a 3,000-year-old mummy actually smells like
Scientists have discovered what mummies smell like and it's surprisingly not too bad.
Are negative-calorie foods real?
Often touted as having zero, or even 'negative-calories', celery does indeed contain calories so it isn't a magical weight-loss food.
Science photo galleries
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
From 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina: 15 unforgettable photos of Earth from space
As its mission ends, we look back at Landsat 7's most stunning and revealing images – a visual record of a world in constant change
Simply jaw-dropping: The best 31 wildlife photos of 2025 (so far)
From playful polar bears to a kingfisher with a very cold bottom.
The 15 weirdest pictures of nature's smallest animals
Take a look at some of the most stunning insects from around the world.
The 20 best and weirdest nature images of 2025 (so far)
Featuring hidden bears, fighting beetles and show-off spiders.