This week's magazine
11 July 2026
Issue 3603
On the cover
Editor's picks
Table of contents
News
Physics
Random wobbles in time could finally solve gravity’s greatest mystery
The question of how gravity interacts with the quantum world has long perplexed physicists, but a non-quantum theory of space-time could present an answer
91É«Ç鯬
Ovary identity shift after menopause may contribute to inflammation
Humans
Human brains may have got bigger for no particular reason
Life
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
Environment
June heatwave may have killed around 20,000 people in Europe
Life
What is ‘SpudCell’? Arguably the greatest bioengineering feat yet
Environment
Collapse of AMOC ocean current may already be locked in
Technology
Can the biggest problems in AI be solved by philosophy?
Space
Audacious mission to rescue NASA’s falling telescope has launched
Earth
A volcano has erupted remnants of Earth’s primordial magma ocean
Space
The most detailed survey of the universe ever conducted starts now
Environment
Geoengineering could expose plane passengers to sulphuric acid
Humans
‘Hobbit’ hominins scavenged meat left over by Komodo dragons
Life
Orangutan mothers seem to plan playdates for their offspring
91É«Ç鯬
A type of fibre that stimulates GLP-1 release approved for use in food
Physics
The weirdness of neutrinos could completely rewrite particle physics
Mind
Babies are born with the neural foundations for maths
Technology
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
Features
Mind
How healthy is your brain? We now know how to find out
In our efforts to keep our brains healthy, how do we know what is working? Helen Thomson explores a new generation of tests that can reveal whether our efforts are paying off
Mind
Occam’s razor has lost its edge. Can we sharpen our search for truth?
Physics
The strange metals forcing us to rethink how electricity really works
Culture
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The 4 best science-fiction shows of 2026 so far
The first six months of 2026 have seen bright threads in sci- fi series including Fallout and Paradise. But for pure gold, advises TV columnist Bethan Ackerley, try Star City
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The 5 must-watch science shows of 2026 so far
Humans
This book is essential reading before watching the new Odyssey film
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New Scientist recommends a vital look at the science of fatherhood
More
Sponsored
How the science of healthspan helps keep pets thriving for longer
The longevity space isn’t just for humans. Science is uncovering new ways to keep our pets healthier for longer too.
Sponsored
Inside the science of making medicines pure
Life
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an ‘extinction drive’
Technology
Can video games help us better understand quantum mechanics?
Tom Gauld: My confidence in my understanding of the scientific theory
Twisteddoodles on mimicry in nature
Regulars
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A surprisingly detailed look at the physics of a lugworm’s poop
Feedback is delighted by a study of how many animals produce poop that echoes the look of the poop emoji – even the lugworm, which does it upside down