Science
Watch NASA's Curiosity rover 'struggle' to remove a rock that got stuck on its robotic arm for nearly a week
New footage shows NASA's Curiosity rover tilting, rotating and vibrating its robotic arm as mission scientists tried to remove a rock that became stuck on a drill for six days.
Science
PCOS postpones perimenopause and allows pregnancies at older ages
Only 3 per cent of those with polycystic ovary syndrome reach perimenopause by the age of 46, which may allow them to conceive when older
Science
‘People should be talking about it’: moves to curtail vaccine information obscures important science, doctors say
Quashed studies, halted publications and canceled research threaten damage to public health, critics saySign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email A series of high-profile and under-the-radar decisions by US health agencies have scientists and doctors questioning the extent of the agencies’ c
Ancient ice core could help explain mysterious shift in Earth’s ice ages
Record-setting Antarctic archive reveals sharp swings in carbon dioxide 1 million years ago
Magic mushroom compound shows promise against cocaine addiction
Small study that prioritized Black and low-income participants yields “remarkable” results
New “Trojan horse” obesity drug supercharges weight loss in early tests
Researchers have created a next-generation obesity drug that works like a “Trojan horse,” using GLP-1/GIP signals to slip a powerful metabolic enhancer directly into target cells. In mice, it outperformed existing treatments—curbing appetite, increasing weight loss, and improving blood sugar levels.
Science
Up to 2cm a month: Nasa keeps track as Mexico City sinks into the ground
Powerful radar system is providing new data on city’s subsidence, which experts hope will draw more attention to itWalking into Mexico City’s sprawling central Zócalo is a dizzying experience. At one end of the plaza, the capital’s cathedral, with its soaring spires, slumps in one direction. An atta
What to do with the passengers on the cruise ship hit by hantavirus?
Past studies of Andes virus offer scant evidence on transmission risks, and have sparked debate
Scientists accidentally discover DNA that breaks the rules of life
A routine experiment with a new single-cell DNA sequencing method turned into a surprising scientific twist when researchers stumbled upon a bizarre genetic code in a microscopic pond organism. Instead of following the near-universal “rules” of life, this newly identified protist rewrites how genes
Science
100 years on Earth: celebrating David Attenborough’s birthday – podcast
To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s centenary, Madeleine Finlay catches up with natural history writer Patrick Barkham, who has met the celebrated presenter. They explore how the natural world has changed in the century that Attenborough has been on Earth, and how his programming has reflected his
In the remote Amazon, locals are saving a giant fish—and helping their villages
Project has brought income and electricity while protecting wide swaths of tropical forest
Science
New Scientist recommends Attenborough documentary Making Life on Earth
The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week
Science
Bioluminescent algae’s blue light harnessed to make 3D-printed shapes
Scientists suggest algae could be embedded within biosensors that glow when toxins detected in the environmentThe captivating blue glow emitted by a sea-dwelling species of algae has been harnessed by scientists in the US to make light-emitting structures.Pyrocystis lunula is a bioluminescent single
Science
Lacunar strokes caused by widening of arteries in brain, study suggests
Finding would explain why type of stroke affecting about 35,000 a year in UK is not as responsive to some medicationThe cause of a type of stroke that affects about 35,000 people across the UK each year has been uncovered by researchers and may explain why some medications are ineffective as treatme
Science
Massive Alaska megatsunami was second largest ever recorded
New research suggests glacier melt driven by climate change is increasing the risk of giant waves.
Science
Opera singer who hid deafness for 30 years hails ‘life-changing’ surgery
Janine Roebuck, from London, says she no longer considers herself deaf after double cochlear implants restored hearingAn opera singer who hid her deafness for more than 30 years has described “life-changing” surgery that has the potential to become the norm for thousands of NHS patients.Janine Roebu
AI agents may be skilled researchers—but not always honest ones
Two high-profile tools have been shown to make up data and “p-hack” their results
Astronomers unlock a sharper view from JWST using a ‘keyhole’ trick
A revived technique could reveal planets near their stars and the inner workings of galaxies
Science
Hantavirus explained: how does it spread and who is most at risk? – podcast
Three people have died after an outbreak of hantavirus onboard a cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization says a total of seven cases – two confirmed by laboratory testing and five suspected – have been identified on the cruise ship so far. It is also invest
Science
Single dose of magic mushroom psychedelic can cause anatomical brain changes, study finds
Participants took 25mg of psilocybin, reporting deeper psychological insight and better wellbeing a month laterA single dose of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can induce anatomical changes in the brain, according to research among people who took the psychedelic compound for t