Science news

3,000-year-old map of the Universe discovered at ancient Mayan site
An ancient Maya structure was likely built around communal astronomical observations – but the identity of a mysterious woman is still unknown

The Rest is Science: New podcast unravels life’s biggest mysteries
Hosts Prof Hannah Fry and educator Michael Stevens of the new podcast The Rest is Science reveal what’s to come in their show and the wider scientific world

Scientists may have just found a new way to hunt for aliens
A brand new technique is uncovering Earth’s oldest secrets, and could soon be turned to the stars

Grey hairs grow when your body shuts down cancer-prone cells, study suggests
Rather than a depressing sign of ageing, our grey hairs are battle scars in our body's war against cancer
Future technology

The 25 most powerful ideas of the 21st century (so far), picked by the world’s top thinkers
We asked the world's foremost minds to highlight some of the game-changing scientific breakthroughs shaping our world since the year 2000

This magnet-powered micro-robot could soon swim through your bloodstream
It's steered using magnetics, like a tiny remote-controlled bubble zooming through your bloodstream

7 ways to keep your personal data safe, according to cybersecurity experts
The Online Safety Act has thrust VPNs into the spotlight, but what are the best ways to protect your identity online without relying on one?

Scientists have almost cracked the secret language of animals. Here's what they've learned
We’re on the verge of decoding animal communication. Here’s what we’ve learned so far – and how AI could finally help us decipher their languages
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

Where does the ink go when you get a tattoo removed?
If you have had a tattoo removed by a laser-based treatment, you may be wondering where the ink particles go

Could someone across the cosmos pick up old radio programmes?
Could our earliest radio broadcasts have been heard by alien worlds? Researchers suggest the waves have travelled over 100 light-years by now

I keep having nightmares. Should I be worried?
Some recent research has made headlines by linking frequent nightmares to an increased risk of dementia. Should we be worried?

Could there be a time particle?
It's all wibbly, wobbly, timey, wimey stuff

What do clubbed fingers mean?
Clubbed fingertips might be nothing to worry about, or they could be a warning sign of a serious disease

Why does my eyelid randomly twitch?
Your twitchy eyelid might be irritating, but it's probably nothing to worry about. Here's why
Science photo galleries

30 astonishing close-up images that make the smallest things look epic
Life in stunning detail

31 jaw-dropping space photos that will change how you see the Universe
The strange, stunning and sometimes surreal beauty of our cosmos

15 of the world's weirdest-ever inventions
From the V-shaped bed designed by an exercise legend, to a robot that feeds you tomatoes

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

Top 10 most dangerous roads in the world 2025
Fasten your seatbelts and hang on for dear life.