New Scientist Space - Space Headlines
The deep lessons quasiparticles teach us about the nature of reality
We have discovered legions of strange particles that seem to only have a ghostly existence inside materials. Even so, they are the basis of much modern technology - so are they actually real?
Categories: Astronomy
How symbiosis made Earth what it is – and why it’s key to our future
Two life forms living together helped spark the evolution of all complex life. By learning to appreciate this process more fully, we might be able to harness it to heal our planet too
Categories: Astronomy
Why physicists think geometry is the path to a theory of everything
From four-dimensional hexagons to the mind-bending amplituhedron, geometrical shapes are wilder than we learn at school - and they are a crucial tool for understanding reality
Categories: Astronomy
How the science of friendships can help make yours better
From acquaintances to besties, our relationships fall on a wide continuum. Research into the ingredients for meaningful and lasting connections can help you strengthen them
Categories: Astronomy
Why geoengineering is no longer a complete taboo for scientists
Geoengineering comes in many forms and the risks and potential benefits vary widely. But many researchers now feel it’s time to investigate this controversial idea
Categories: Astronomy
Ancient humans only evolved language once, but why?
There’s an argument rumbling about why our ancestors evolved language. And surprisingly, one of the possible explanations has nothing to do with communication
Categories: Astronomy
Why are the physical constants of the universe so perfect for life?
Conditions in our little pocket of the universe seem to be just right for life - and the much-debated anthropic principle forces us to wonder why
Categories: Astronomy
How metaphysics probes hidden assumptions to make sense of reality
All of us hold metaphysical beliefs, whether we realise it or not. Learning to question them is spurring progress on some of the hardest questions in physics
Categories: Astronomy
Why you should assume that even the simplest animals are conscious
There is mounting evidence that even surprisingly simple animals, like invertebrates, have a level of consciousness - but not in the way you might think
Categories: Astronomy
What is a mindset and can you cultivate a better one?
Concepts like the “growth mindset” are much misunderstood. But learn to cultivate certain beliefs about your future potential, and evidence suggests it really can foster success and bring health benefits
Categories: Astronomy
At last, we are discovering what quantum computers will be useful for
Quantum computers have been hyped as machines that can solve almost any problem. Yet it is becoming clearer that their near-term utility will be narrower
Categories: Astronomy
Why is it seemingly impossible to stop phone thieves?
The huge market for stolen smartphones means that thieves will continue to snatch them, but is there anything we can do to put a stop to this crime wave?
Categories: Astronomy
Stunning first images show the power of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory
A powerful new telescope in Chile is set to transform astronomy, and its first pictures of stellar nurseries and galaxies have just been unveiled
Categories: Astronomy
Nightmares linked to faster biological ageing and early death
Scary dreams disrupt our sleep and elevate our levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may have serious consequences for our health over time
Categories: Astronomy
Sea spiders 'farm' methane-eating bacteria on their bodies
Sea spiders living near deep-sea methane seeps appear to cultivate and eat bacteria on their exoskeletons
Categories: Astronomy
Could Israel's bombing trigger a nuclear accident in Iran?
Attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities have already triggered at least one internal radiation leak, but should we be concerned that Israeli bombing could cause a larger nuclear accident?
Categories: Astronomy
Your passwords have probably been stolen and sold on the dark web
Technology reporter Matthew Sparkes thought his passwords and personal data were safe, but a tour of the murkier sides of the internet revealed otherwise
Categories: Astronomy
To understand sunburn, you need to know how UV provokes inflammation
We’ve known for nearly a century that UV radiation is linked to skin cancer, but modern advice about sunburn can be confusing. To understand what works, you need to know what UV really does to your skin
Categories: Astronomy
Dead NASA satellite unexpectedly emits powerful radio pulse
Astronomers are puzzled by a strong burst of radio waves traced back to a NASA satellite that had been inactive since the 1960s
Categories: Astronomy
Our big brains may have evolved because of placental sex hormones
Unlike other primates, humans are exposed to high levels of placental sex hormones in the womb, which may have shaped our evolutionary brain development
Categories: Astronomy