Most experts now believe aliens exist. Here’s what convinced them
The research is mounting up that we might not be alone in this big wide world
5 sustainability habits you think are helping the planet – but probably aren’t
Confusing and outdated messaging could be holding you back from being a keen, green, Earth-saving machine…
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?
How to retrain your body's natural sleep drive
Is the hyper-stimulation of modern life keeping you awake? It’s time for a reset.
What are some of the spookiest experiments we've ever done?
Definitely best not to try these at home...
New issue: Lost in Space
Imagine having access to a time machine. You could experience historical events first-hand – and finally get to the bottom of all manner of mysteries. Although we can’t travel back in time physically, with a good telescope – like the James Webb Space Telescope – we can essentially see back in time. That’s almost as good, right? Take, for example, the very first stars, which formed around 100-200 million years after the Big Bang. Their sudden appearance set the stage for the Universe we see today, triggering a chain reaction that’s still occurring. And by uncovering the oldest objects in the cosmos and examining their unique makeup, we can retrace the chemistry and physics of creation. Those first stars should be easy to spot thanks to their special compositions, and stellar archaeologists (a cool job title, if I’ve ever heard one) have been seeking them for a long time. But as Dr Emma Chapman explains in this issue, the reason we haven’t found them yet could be because we've not been looking for the right things. What we have found, is that so-called 'ancient stars' aren’t behaving quite as we expected. So far, our search into the deep past has raised more questions than answers.
How to tell the difference between bloating and belly fat
The simple signs – and what to do about each
Try not to smile at these 5 feel-good science stories from 2025
When 2025 got a bit much, science stepped in with the good news we needed to hear
What do my farts say about my health?
Plus, what you can do if you're suffering discomfort
These ‘impossible’ galaxies are breaking the Universe as we know it
It appears infant galaxies were much bigger babies than astronomers bargained for
Top reads
121 random fun facts that will blow your mind
Our collection of the best interesting trivia covers animals, biology, geography, space and much more
Could hidden dehydration be the cause of your daytime fatigue?
Feeling tired? Your afternoon dip could be low-chronic dehydration
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.
Science news
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
Most people think social media is bad for kids. Australia is trying to prove it
The country has banned kids from using social media. The world is watching to see what happens next
This new drug may have cracked the 'cheat code' for reversing ageing
Scientists are literally turning back the clocks in our cells, with the first drugs about to go to human trials
The 7 most important (and weirdest) discoveries of 2025
Featuring an world-changing supercomputer, a potential HIV cure, and signs of life on Mars
Future technology
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
AI language bots tell us what to think, but what comes next will think and act for us
Generative AI burst into the public domain in 2022, with seemingly unlimited potential. But could its abilities be hitting a ceiling already?
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
How to prime your hunger hormones to avoid over-indulgence this Christmas
Breakfast or no breakfast on Christmas day?
Why scientists once thought the platypus was an elaborate hoax
The platypus is such a strange animal that it was originally thought to be an elaborate hoax by pranksters
How deep can a penguin dive?
Penguins are skilled divers, transitioning from land to water with smooth movements. But what's the deepest a penguin can actually dive?
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