A biblical megaflood could hit the US at any moment. And that’s only the beginning
A flood, the scale of which has not been seen in centuries, is coming, scientists say. Can we prepare before it hits?
The unsettling truth about medical cannabis and mental health
Does it help with mental health, or is there something else at play?
Top 10 most dangerous roads in the world 2026
Fasten your seatbelts and hang on for dear life
Here's what school examiners do that AI never could
AI is increasingly creeping its way into the classroom, helping teachers to plan lessons, creating resources, mark work and handle administrative tasks. Is the human touch still important?
It’s time to rethink the pursuit of happiness
What if the pursuit of happiness in the traditional sense is the very thing stopping you from being happy?
New issue: What really causes autism?
Our best research – studies that looked at the health records of millions of children – has, to date, found no causal link between taking acetaminophen (otherwise known as paracetamol and sold under the brand name Tylenol in the US) during pregnancy and the onset of autism. In fact, as rates of autism diagnoses have gone up, acetaminophen use during pregnancy has actually gone down. So why do some high-profile US politicians suggest otherwise? Well, there was a study, published a decade ago, that looked at data collected on almost 2,650 children, which did find an effect. But it’s possible that this research was actually observing the effect of whatever symptom the drug was meant to treat – not the drug itself. The backdrop to this row is the undeniable observation that autism diagnoses are on the rise. One in 59 children were thought to have the condition in the US in 2015; that figure is now one in 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most experts attribute this rise to improvements in identifying autism. Indeed, we’ve gotten better at understanding what autism looks like in all its forms. And therein lies some clarity. Just as we’re beginning to understand that there are different types of autism, there are likely to be several factors that can shift the dance between genetics and the environment as your brain develops during pregnancy. Timing is everything in the womb, which is why one scientist is growing tiny human brains (or at least parts of them) in a lab – to find out when and where the first signs of autism appear.
How some people sleep only four hours a night and still feel great
A small group of humans barely rest at night – and never suffer for it. Science is about to find out why that matters for all of us
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
22 mind-blowing facts about NASA’s Artemis II Moon mission
Taking one step closer to the next giant leap
Can you stop your sense of taste dulling as you age?
Is there any way of stopping your sense of taste from dulling as you age? A doctor explains the steps you can take
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
8 techniques all anxious people should use, according to a psychologist
Whether in the short- or long-term, there are lots of different techniques that can help you deal with anxiety.
Science news
Your reality really could be a simulation, say experts. Here’s why
As computers grow ever more powerful, the idea we could be living in a simulation is looking less like science fiction every day
The US is now paying more than any other country for climate change damage, study suggests
Despite being the biggest carbon emitter, the US is already paying a disproportionate price for the climate crisis
The 5 biggest myths about taking statins to lower cholesterol
Statins save lives – so why are so many people wary of taking them?
I'm a neuroscientist. Here's all you need to know about money to be truly happy
We all need enough funds to cover our basic needs, but beyond that the connection between wealth and wellness is less clear
Future technology
The hidden reason new 'superfast' Wi-Fi still feels anything but
Wi-Fi 7’s giant speed claims might look impressive, but the realities of our homes – and the laws of physics – mean that real-world performance will never get close
We’re closer than ever to bringing back life from cryogenic freezing
Astronauts in cryosleep is one of science fiction's most enduring fantasies – but a new study suggests the gap between fiction and reality just got a little smaller
'Our product is used, on occassion, to kill people': Inside Palantir, the world's scariest AI company
Palantir has become one of the most influential and least understood tech companies on the planet. As its reach spreads, so do questions about how its tools work and who they ultimately serve
How evil can AI be? Some brave scientists are finding out
If we want to get good responses from AI, we may need to see what it does when we ask it to be evil
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
Does my dog have ADHD?
Can dogs have ADHD? Man's best friend does display signs of the condition - here's how you can deal with it
Can my smell reveal anything about my health?
According to a doctor, these are the scents you should be sniffing out for
How can I get over my ex?
Breaking up can be a brutal thing to get over, likened with the emotions of grief, but here's how to get over your ex
What makes someone a dark empath?
What makes someone a 'dark empath' and what does that mean? Here is how can you spot them
How can I burn more calories when I'm walking? | Here's how to burn more calories when walking
These simple tricks can help you to burn the most calories from a walk
What are the best and worst foods to eat on Ozempic?
Semaglutide drugs like Ozempic work by mimicking a fullness hormone, but what you eat can help or hinder its effects
Science photo galleries
Koch Institute Image Awards 2026
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
The top 10 fastest jets in the world 2025
Come and take a look at our gallery of the top ten fastest jets in the world. All while singing 'Highway to the danger zone'...
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
