New Scientist - Home New Scientist - Home https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - Home https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 Seven wonders of the Milky Way: An astronomer’s guide to the galaxy https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034611-000-seven-wonders-of-the-milky-way-an-astronomers-guide-to-the-galaxy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:30:00 +0100 Join us on an exhilarating tour of the Milky Way’s most spectacular sights – from a monstrous black hole and a river of dark matter to a diamond planet, primordial stars and a cosmic hall of mirrors mg26034611-000-seven-wonders-of-the-milky-way-an-astronomers-guide-to-the-galaxy|2397666 Orionids: How to see the Halley’s comet meteor shower this weekend https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398322-orionids-how-to-see-the-halleys-comet-meteor-shower-this-weekend/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 06:12:12 +0100 The Orionids are flashes of light that appear in the sky every year when Earth passes through debris from Halley’s comet. On 21 October they will be visible from almost anywhere in the world 2398322-orionids-how-to-see-the-halleys-comet-meteor-shower-this-weekend|2398322 Mysterious rotation trick makes magnets float in the air https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398452-mysterious-rotation-trick-makes-magnets-float-in-the-air/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:13:04 +0100 A few years ago, researchers discovered that a rapidly rotating magnet will cause other nearby magnets to levitate, and they have now worked out why 2398452-mysterious-rotation-trick-makes-magnets-float-in-the-air|2398452 Schools cut covid-19 sick days by 20 per cent using HEPA air filters https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398713-schools-cut-covid-19-sick-days-by-20-per-cent-using-hepa-air-filters/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:00:11 +0100 The eagerly awaited finding comes from the first randomised trial of putting HEPA filter machines into classrooms 2398713-schools-cut-covid-19-sick-days-by-20-per-cent-using-hepa-air-filters|2398713 Humans caught more diseases after we domesticated animals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398708-humans-caught-more-diseases-after-we-domesticated-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:40:46 +0100 Analysis of DNA from human remains up to 37,000 years old shows that more infectious diseases jumped from animals to people after the dawn of farming 2398708-humans-caught-more-diseases-after-we-domesticated-animals|2398708 Sperm caught breaking Newton's third law of motion https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397442-sperm-caught-breaking-newtons-third-law-of-motion/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:00:31 +0100 Some biological cells swim freely in a way that apparently breaks one of Newton’s laws of motion – but only if they have strange elastic properties 2397442-sperm-caught-breaking-newtons-third-law-of-motion|2397442 UK’s fastest supercomputer will be built in a car park in Bristol https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398688-uks-fastest-supercomputer-will-be-built-in-a-car-park-in-bristol/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:53:16 +0100 Isambard-AI will contain about 5000 graphics processing units, making it 10 times as powerful as the UK’s current fastest computer, but it will have a humble home in a Bristol car park 2398688-uks-fastest-supercomputer-will-be-built-in-a-car-park-in-bristol|2398688 We forget details when our brain picks the wrong thing to remember https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398218-we-forget-details-when-our-brain-picks-the-wrong-thing-to-remember/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:00:19 +0100 Scientists have identified the brain mechanisms behind why we often misremember small details, such as an object's colour or location 2398218-we-forget-details-when-our-brain-picks-the-wrong-thing-to-remember|2398218 Why birds' eyes can be blue, green, pink or orange https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398428-why-birds-eyes-can-be-blue-green-pink-or-orange/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:00:15 +0100 Among birds, eyes come in all sorts of colours – and it seems that this helps them compete for mating opportunities and intimidate rivals 2398428-why-birds-eyes-can-be-blue-green-pink-or-orange|2398428 Intricate photo of rat's retina wins Nikon Small World competition https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034610-200-intricate-photo-of-rats-retina-wins-nikon-small-world-competition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 See the inside of a rodent’s eye like never before, alongside other commended images from the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition mg26034610-200-intricate-photo-of-rats-retina-wins-nikon-small-world-competition|2397648 Do animals know that sex leads to babies? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397429-do-animals-know-that-sex-leads-to-babies/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 20 Oct 2023 08:00:38 +0100 The time delay between sex and offspring makes identifying the cause and effect a little complicated. Humans have language to explain how reproduction works, but for other animals it may be far less clear 2397429-do-animals-know-that-sex-leads-to-babies|2397429 Blood in the Machine review: Going back to the Luddites https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034610-500-blood-in-the-machine-review-going-back-to-the-luddites/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 An eye-opening read from Brian Merchant traces today's collective rage against big tech back to the Luddite uprising mg26034610-500-blood-in-the-machine-review-going-back-to-the-luddites|2397661 Tiniest particle accelerator is so small it could fit into a pen tip https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398085-tiniest-particle-accelerator-is-so-small-it-could-fit-into-a-pen-tip/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:00:08 +0100 A particle accelerator that measures just 0.2 mm in length uses laser light to accelerate electrons to speeds of a hundred thousand kilometres per second 2398085-tiniest-particle-accelerator-is-so-small-it-could-fit-into-a-pen-tip|2398085 Warm seas blamed for the disappearance of 10 billion snow crabs https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398608-warm-seas-blamed-for-the-disappearance-of-10-billion-snow-crabs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:00:57 +0100 The population of snow crabs in the Bering Sea has crashed since 2018, probably due to starvation as a result of a marine heatwave 2398608-warm-seas-blamed-for-the-disappearance-of-10-billion-snow-crabs|2398608 Emergence of huge cicada generation in 2021 led to a caterpillar boom https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398469-emergence-of-huge-cicada-generation-in-2021-led-to-a-caterpillar-boom/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:00:41 +0100 The emergence of 'Brood X' periodical cicadas in the US in 2021 gave birds a new food source, leading to knock-on effects throughout forest ecosystems 2398469-emergence-of-huge-cicada-generation-in-2021-led-to-a-caterpillar-boom|2398469 IBM's brain-inspired chip could be the fastest at running AI yet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398442-ibms-brain-inspired-chip-could-be-the-fastest-at-running-ai-yet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:00:28 +0100 An IBM chip that mimics the brain can run AI-powered image recognition algorithms 22 times faster than any commercial chip 2398442-ibms-brain-inspired-chip-could-be-the-fastest-at-running-ai-yet|2398442 Climate change will prompt expansion of farming in northern wilderness https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398603-climate-change-will-prompt-expansion-of-farming-in-northern-wilderness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:00:45 +0100 As the world warms, vast areas of wilderness in Russia, Canada and Alaska will become more suitable for farming, threatening the local wildlife 2398603-climate-change-will-prompt-expansion-of-farming-in-northern-wilderness|2398603 Hurricanes are growing stronger much faster than they did in the 1970s https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398149-hurricanes-are-growing-stronger-much-faster-than-they-did-in-the-1970s/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:00:09 +0100 An analysis of all tropical storms in the Atlantic between 1971 and 2020 has confirmed that hurricanes are intensifying more rapidly, giving people less time to prepare 2398149-hurricanes-are-growing-stronger-much-faster-than-they-did-in-the-1970s|2398149 Bird flu now sweeping the world evolved in Europe and Africa https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397720-bird-flu-now-sweeping-the-world-evolved-in-europe-and-africa/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:00:10 +0100 For about 25 years, bird flu viruses typically originated in Asia – but the virus that began spreading in 2021 arose in Europe and Africa 2397720-bird-flu-now-sweeping-the-world-evolved-in-europe-and-africa|2397720 Why I won't be buying sea-farmed salmon ever again https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397929-why-i-wont-be-buying-sea-farmed-salmon-ever-again/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 I knew there were problems with salmon reared in captivity at sea, but after witnessing the damage inflicted by life in an ocean pen, I will be voting with my shopping trolley, says Graham Lawton 2397929-why-i-wont-be-buying-sea-farmed-salmon-ever-again|2397929 Pepper X: The world has a new hottest chilli https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398168-pepper-x-the-world-has-a-new-hottest-chilli/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:16:41 +0100 Pepper X scorches the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper, by a million Scoville heat units 2398168-pepper-x-the-world-has-a-new-hottest-chilli|2398168 Hundreds of chatbots could show us how to make social media less toxic https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398407-hundreds-of-chatbots-could-show-us-how-to-make-social-media-less-toxic/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:54:03 +0100 A newsfeed algorithm designed to counteract political polarisation could be effective, according to a test involving hundreds of AI-generated users 2398407-hundreds-of-chatbots-could-show-us-how-to-make-social-media-less-toxic|2398407 Let's use AI to rethink education, instead of panicking about cheating https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034613-400-lets-use-ai-to-rethink-education-instead-of-panicking-about-cheating/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 If we build and use AI effectively, we can create an education system where students are assessed on the quality and depth of their knowledge, rather than the content of an exam, says Okezue Bell mg26034613-400-lets-use-ai-to-rethink-education-instead-of-panicking-about-cheating|2397892 How changing the way you sit could add years to your life https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24732913-000-how-changing-the-way-you-sit-could-add-years-to-your-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100 Our bodies evolved to take rest breaks, but sitting on chairs and couches can cause long-term damage. Here’s how to change the way you sit and boost your health mg24732913-000-how-changing-the-way-you-sit-could-add-years-to-your-life|2248881 Her Space, Her Time review: Trailblazing women astronomers https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034610-400-her-space-her-time-review-trailblazing-women-astronomers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 A disdain for misogyny past and present shines through in Shohini Ghose's rich history of women's underappreciated contributions to astronomy and physics mg26034610-400-her-space-her-time-review-trailblazing-women-astronomers|2397660 UK’s global AI summit must provide solutions rather than suggestions https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397528-uks-global-ai-summit-must-provide-solutions-rather-than-suggestions/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:50 +0100 Efforts to regulate artificial intelligence are gathering steam across the world, but some key ethical and controversial issues don’t seem to be getting enough attention 2397528-uks-global-ai-summit-must-provide-solutions-rather-than-suggestions|2397528 Why free will doesn't exist, according to Robert Sapolsky https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398369-why-free-will-doesnt-exist-according-to-robert-sapolsky/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:39:23 +0100 It's hard to let go of the idea that free will exists, but neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky says that society starts to look very different once you do 2398369-why-free-will-doesnt-exist-according-to-robert-sapolsky|2398369 Strange upward lightning shoots out X-rays as it rises to the clouds https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397616-strange-upward-lightning-shoots-out-x-rays-as-it-rises-to-the-clouds/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 20:00:35 +0100 Tall buildings made from electrically conductive materials can send lightning bolts up into the heavens during a thunderstorm, and they generate X-rays at the same time 2397616-strange-upward-lightning-shoots-out-x-rays-as-it-rises-to-the-clouds|2397616 Is England doing enough to stop covid-19 spreading in hospitals? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398335-is-england-doing-enough-to-stop-covid-19-spreading-in-hospitals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:00:57 +0100 New figures confirm toll of the coronavirus on hospital patients during UK’s second wave, but it’s unclear what lessons this has for today 2398335-is-england-doing-enough-to-stop-covid-19-spreading-in-hospitals|2398335 Energy-guzzling data centres could work just as well with less cooling https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398268-energy-guzzling-data-centres-could-work-just-as-well-with-less-cooling/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:00:25 +0100 Data centres consume a huge amount of energy, but researchers have found a simple fix - let the servers run much hotter than they do currently 2398268-energy-guzzling-data-centres-could-work-just-as-well-with-less-cooling|2398268 Edible and delicious Chinese mitten crabs are invading the UK https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397495-edible-and-delicious-chinese-mitten-crabs-are-invading-the-uk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:10:46 +0100 Numbers of invasive Chinese mitten crabs are believed to be growing in the UK, causing damage to river beds and competing with native wildlife 2397495-edible-and-delicious-chinese-mitten-crabs-are-invading-the-uk|2397495 Working with robots can make humans put in less effort https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397628-working-with-robots-can-make-humans-put-in-less-effort/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:57:19 +0100 Robots that do their job reliably can cause humans who work alongside them to be less diligent because of a phenomenon called social loafing 2397628-working-with-robots-can-make-humans-put-in-less-effort|2397628 Scientists prefer feedback from ChatGPT to judgement by peers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398051-scientists-prefer-feedback-from-chatgpt-to-judgement-by-peers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:00:06 +0100 Scientific research must be reviewed by other scientists before it is published, but some researchers say they find feedback from ChatGPT more useful 2398051-scientists-prefer-feedback-from-chatgpt-to-judgement-by-peers|2398051 Mega penguins: These are the largest penguins to have ever lived https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397894-mega-penguins-these-are-the-largest-penguins-to-have-ever-lived/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:57 +0100 No penguin alive today can compare with some of the extinct giants that once roamed the planet, including Kumimanu fordycei, Petradyptes stonehousei and Palaeeudyptes klekowskii 2397894-mega-penguins-these-are-the-largest-penguins-to-have-ever-lived|2397894 Hitting the snooze button on your alarm doesn't make you more tired https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397914-hitting-the-snooze-button-on-your-alarm-doesnt-make-you-more-tired/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:01:31 +0100 Snoozing your alarm doesn't make you sleepier, moodier or less cognitively sharp during the day than getting up straight away 2397914-hitting-the-snooze-button-on-your-alarm-doesnt-make-you-more-tired|2397914 Why the Gaza water crisis is decades in the making https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398073-why-the-gaza-water-crisis-is-decades-in-the-making/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:55:40 +0100 The UN says approximately 2 million people in Gaza may soon run out of water because Israel has shut off supplies. Here's why the region is so vulnerable to water crises 2398073-why-the-gaza-water-crisis-is-decades-in-the-making|2398073 Scientists can communicate with people while they are asleep https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397855-scientists-can-communicate-with-people-while-they-are-asleep/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:00:25 +0100 This is the first such communication method to be established with people who are not lucid dreamers 2397855-scientists-can-communicate-with-people-while-they-are-asleep|2397855 People around Europe have eaten seaweed for thousands of years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397961-people-around-europe-have-eaten-seaweed-for-thousands-of-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:00:51 +0100 Traces of algae on teeth found at archaeological sites suggest that seaweeds may have been a staple part of European diets from the Mesolithic until the Middle Ages 2397961-people-around-europe-have-eaten-seaweed-for-thousands-of-years|2397961 Tiny generator uses the motion of molecules to produce electricity https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398055-tiny-generator-uses-the-motion-of-molecules-to-produce-electricity/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:00:16 +0100 Generating electricity from the movements of molecules in a fluid could one day power devices like tiny medical implants or household appliances 2398055-tiny-generator-uses-the-motion-of-molecules-to-produce-electricity|2398055 The trees in our cities are dying — a sick microbiome may be to blame https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034610-100-the-trees-in-our-cities-are-dying-a-sick-microbiome-may-be-to-blame/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:30:00 +0100 Efforts to expand urban green spaces are undermined by street trees dying prematurely. Restoring their root microbiomes could help them live longer mg26034610-100-the-trees-in-our-cities-are-dying-a-sick-microbiome-may-be-to-blame|2397476 Coin flips don't truly have a 50/50 chance of being heads or tails https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397248-coin-flips-dont-truly-have-a-50-50-chance-of-being-heads-or-tails/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:22:10 +0100 Researchers who flipped coins 350,757 times have confirmed that the chance of landing the coin the same way up as it started is around 51 per cent 2397248-coin-flips-dont-truly-have-a-50-50-chance-of-being-heads-or-tails|2397248 Stunning photo of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io is our best in decades https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397874-stunning-photo-of-jupiters-volcanic-moon-io-is-our-best-in-decades/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:52:13 +0100 NASA's Juno spacecraft has swooped close to Jupiter's moon Io, capturing this amazing photo of the surface – and even better ones will come soon 2397874-stunning-photo-of-jupiters-volcanic-moon-io-is-our-best-in-decades|2397874 Largest quake ever seen on Mars points to surprising seismic activity https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398017-largest-quake-ever-seen-on-mars-points-to-surprising-seismic-activity/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:01:00 +0100 Mars is generally thought of as being geologically dead, but a huge marsquake measured by NASA's InSight lander suggests otherwise 2398017-largest-quake-ever-seen-on-mars-points-to-surprising-seismic-activity|2398017 Prize-winning photos highlight the impact of climate change on nature https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397804-prize-winning-photos-highlight-the-impact-of-climate-change-on-nature/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:07 +0100 A glacier under covers, a fish in danger of losing its home and threatened African penguins feature in the best entries to the Royal Society of Biology Photography Competition 2397804-prize-winning-photos-highlight-the-impact-of-climate-change-on-nature|2397804 Dung beetles' feeding habits can be used to track endangered lemurs https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397622-dung-beetles-feeding-habits-can-be-used-to-track-endangered-lemurs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:00:09 +0100 Biologists identified DNA from six species of lemurs in the guts of dung beetles collected in Madagascar, demonstrating a possible way to monitor endangered wildlife 2397622-dung-beetles-feeding-habits-can-be-used-to-track-endangered-lemurs|2397622 Could nuclear weapons testing resume as global tensions rise? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397254-could-nuclear-weapons-testing-resume-as-global-tensions-rise/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:49:47 +0100 Only North Korea has detonated nuclear weapons during the 21st century, but recent indications suggest Russia, the US and China are preparing to resume tests 2397254-could-nuclear-weapons-testing-resume-as-global-tensions-rise|2397254 Cannabis has a shocking environmental cost – here's how to fix it https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397220-cannabis-has-a-shocking-environmental-cost-heres-how-to-fix-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 17 Oct 2023 08:00:51 +0100 Growing cannabis can consume astonishingly large amounts of electricity and water, as well as damage ecosystems, but it doesn't have to be that way 2397220-cannabis-has-a-shocking-environmental-cost-heres-how-to-fix-it|2397220 It takes just 108 milliseconds for our brains to spot food https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397642-it-takes-just-108-milliseconds-for-our-brains-to-spot-food/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:00:28 +0100 When you look at an object, it takes just 108 to 116 milliseconds for your brain to decide if it is food     2397642-it-takes-just-108-milliseconds-for-our-brains-to-spot-food|2397642 Paris's bedbug problem is probably no worse than other major cities https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397725-pariss-bedbug-problem-is-probably-no-worse-than-other-major-cities/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:21:08 +0100 An apparent resurgence of bedbugs has incited panic in France, but there is no scientific evidence of any increase in infestation rates this year 2397725-pariss-bedbug-problem-is-probably-no-worse-than-other-major-cities|2397725 High-dose vitamin D may lower your risk of going to hospital https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397281-high-dose-vitamin-d-may-lower-your-risk-of-going-to-hospital/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:00:58 +0100 Taking a higher-than-recommended dose of vitamin D every day may reduce the risk of being hospitalised due to any cause, according to a relatively short, small study 2397281-high-dose-vitamin-d-may-lower-your-risk-of-going-to-hospital|2397281 How to balance energy-hungry AI with the drive towards decarbonisation https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034603-000-how-to-balance-energy-hungry-ai-with-the-drive-towards-decarbonisation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Just as the power sector looks set to reach peak carbon emissions, the rise of AI use brings a new pressure on our energy requirements mg26034603-000-how-to-balance-energy-hungry-ai-with-the-drive-towards-decarbonisation|2397021 Mathematician warns US spies may be weakening next-gen encryption https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396510-mathematician-warns-us-spies-may-be-weakening-next-gen-encryption/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:55:58 +0100 Quantum computers may soon be able to crack encryption methods in use today, so plans are already under way to replace them with new, secure algorithms. Now it seems the US National Security Agency may be undermining that process 2396510-mathematician-warns-us-spies-may-be-weakening-next-gen-encryption|2396510 Under 18s who drive independently develop a better sense of direction https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397261-under-18s-who-drive-independently-develop-a-better-sense-of-direction/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:00:59 +0100 People who drove by themselves before they turned 18 are better at navigating than those who first drove solo at an older age 2397261-under-18s-who-drive-independently-develop-a-better-sense-of-direction|2397261 Ukrainian AI attack drones may be killing without human oversight https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397389-ukrainian-ai-attack-drones-may-be-killing-without-human-oversight/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:00:17 +0100 Ukraine is using drones equipped with artificial intelligence that can identify and attack targets without any human control, in the first battlefield use of autonomous weapons or "killer robots" 2397389-ukrainian-ai-attack-drones-may-be-killing-without-human-oversight|2397389 The quantum experiment that could help find evidence of the multiverse https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034600-700-the-quantum-experiment-that-could-help-find-evidence-of-the-multiverse/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0100 Scars of collisions with other universes could show up in radiation from the big bang. A new experiment aims to mimic these collisions and help us look for them mg26034600-700-the-quantum-experiment-that-could-help-find-evidence-of-the-multiverse|2396600 Can a single therapy session nudge us towards better mental health? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034601-000-can-a-single-therapy-session-nudge-us-towards-better-mental-health/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 A new book says that single-session interventions can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and disordered eating. David Robson explores a new approach mg26034601-000-can-a-single-therapy-session-nudge-us-towards-better-mental-health|2396603 Microgreens: The surprising truth about this trendy new ‘superfood’ https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034600-100-microgreens-the-surprising-truth-about-this-trendy-new-superfood/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0100 Microgreens are an increasingly popular hobby, and have gained a reputation as the superheroes of the nutrition world - are they actually good for you? mg26034600-100-microgreens-the-surprising-truth-about-this-trendy-new-superfood|2396186 Why the next solar eclipses are a unique chance to understand the sun https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934591-400-why-the-next-solar-eclipses-are-a-unique-chance-to-understand-the-sun/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0100 North America will see an annular solar eclipse on 14 October and a total eclipse in April 2024. Scientists are preparing to use these spectacles to study our star's mysterious corona mg25934591-400-why-the-next-solar-eclipses-are-a-unique-chance-to-understand-the-sun|2395283 What ancient Earth tells us about surviving the climate crisis https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397436-what-ancient-earth-tells-us-about-surviving-the-climate-crisis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Sat, 14 Oct 2023 08:00:06 +0100 Climate scientist and author Michael Mann explains why it’s not too late to prevent the worst impacts of climate change 2397436-what-ancient-earth-tells-us-about-surviving-the-climate-crisis|2397436 Julia review: A brilliant, devastating sequel to Nineteen Eighty-Four https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034600-500-julia-review-a-brilliant-devastating-sequel-to-nineteen-eighty-four/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Sandra Newman's sequel to the classic dystopian novel, told from the perspective of the woman at the original's heart, is doubleplusgood – not least because it reminds us how relevant George Orwell's dark vision of the future still is, says Sally Adee mg26034600-500-julia-review-a-brilliant-devastating-sequel-to-nineteen-eighty-four|2396588 The desire for legacy is a mental glitch but we can use it for good https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034600-200-the-desire-for-legacy-is-a-mental-glitch-but-we-can-use-it-for-good/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:00 +0100 The strange drive to be remembered after death may result from a cognitive glitch, but it could help solve big problems from climate change to inequality mg26034600-200-the-desire-for-legacy-is-a-mental-glitch-but-we-can-use-it-for-good|2396187 How to spot October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse across the Americas https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394269-how-to-spot-octobers-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-across-the-americas/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:00:06 +0100 An annular solar eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse because of the way the sun and moon line up, will be visible in the US, Central America and South America on 14 October 2394269-how-to-spot-octobers-ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-across-the-americas|2394269 Student uses AI to decipher word in ancient scroll from Herculaneum https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397583-student-uses-ai-to-decipher-word-in-ancient-scroll-from-herculaneum/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 21:10:50 +0100 A computer science student has discovered the first decipherable word in unopened scrolls from Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 2397583-student-uses-ai-to-decipher-word-in-ancient-scroll-from-herculaneum|2397583 Dusting and vacuuming reduce wildfire air pollution inside homes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397492-dusting-and-vacuuming-reduce-wildfire-air-pollution-inside-homes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0100 Pollutants from wildfire smoke can remain inside homes for weeks, but vacuuming, mopping and dusting result in lower levels of volatile compounds in the air 2397492-dusting-and-vacuuming-reduce-wildfire-air-pollution-inside-homes|2397492 Israel's demand for Gaza evacuation will lead to deaths, experts warn https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397446-israels-demand-for-gaza-evacuation-will-lead-to-deaths-experts-warn/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 13:45:24 +0100 As part of its ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel has issued a warning for 1.1 million people to leave northern Gaza. The United Nations says such a rapid mass evacuation is impossible without "devastating humanitarian consequences" 2397446-israels-demand-for-gaza-evacuation-will-lead-to-deaths-experts-warn|2397446 Win $12k by rediscovering the secret phrases that secure the internet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396724-win-12k-by-rediscovering-the-secret-phrases-that-secure-the-internet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:00:44 +0100 Five secret phrases used to create the encryption algorithms that secure everything from online banking to email have been lost to history - but now cryptographers are offering a bounty to rediscover them 2396724-win-12k-by-rediscovering-the-secret-phrases-that-secure-the-internet|2396724 AI is helping mathematicians build a periodic table of shapes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2393924-ai-is-helping-mathematicians-build-a-periodic-table-of-shapes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:00:53 +0100 Atomic shapes are so simple that they can't be broken down any further. Mathematicians are trying to build a "periodic table" of these shapes, and they hope artificial intelligence can help 2393924-ai-is-helping-mathematicians-build-a-periodic-table-of-shapes|2393924 Lessons in Chemistry review: TV show delivers – just stay with it https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397337-lessons-in-chemistry-review-tv-show-delivers-just-stay-with-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Fri, 13 Oct 2023 09:00:39 +0100 When Lessons in Chemistry, the story of a woman scientist frustrated by the times she lives in, finally finds its stride, it is a reminder that things can come together with patience 2397337-lessons-in-chemistry-review-tv-show-delivers-just-stay-with-it|2397337 New Scientist Live: Inside the world's best science and tech festival https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034604-600-new-scientist-live-inside-the-worlds-best-science-and-tech-festival/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 From a huge revolving planet Mars to cuddles with a robot, as well as talks by Alice Roberts and Hamza Yassin, find out what went down at this year's New Scientist Live mg26034604-600-new-scientist-live-inside-the-worlds-best-science-and-tech-festival|2397037 Extremely Online review: A vital look at the creator economy https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034600-300-extremely-online-review-a-vital-look-at-the-creator-economy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Taylor Lorenz goes behind the scenes of the multibillion-dollar influencer industry to trace its meteoric rise in this fascinating book mg26034600-300-extremely-online-review-a-vital-look-at-the-creator-economy|2396586 Early humans lived in Ethiopian highlands 2 million years ago https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397291-early-humans-lived-in-ethiopian-highlands-2-million-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:00:57 +0100 A child’s jawbone found in Ethiopia is one of the earliest fossils identified as Homo erectus, and shows ancient hominins settled in high-altitude areas 2397291-early-humans-lived-in-ethiopian-highlands-2-million-years-ago|2397291 We now have the most detailed description of the human brain ever https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397366-we-now-have-the-most-detailed-description-of-the-human-brain-ever/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 20:00:32 +0100 The tool, which charts the distribution of over a hundred different brain areas in genetic and cellular detail, may shed more light on neurological and mental health conditions 2397366-we-now-have-the-most-detailed-description-of-the-human-brain-ever|2397366 Energy-efficient transistor could allow smartwatches to use AI https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397235-energy-efficient-transistor-could-allow-smartwatches-to-use-ai/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:00:51 +0100 A prototype transistor built from molybdenum disulphide and carbon nanotubes rather than silicon could allow power-hungry AIs to run on smartwatches without rapidly draining the battery 2397235-energy-efficient-transistor-could-allow-smartwatches-to-use-ai|2397235 Simple blood test tweak could make intensive care treatment safer https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397314-simple-blood-test-tweak-could-make-intensive-care-treatment-safer/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:00:46 +0100 Taking less blood for intensive care tests reduces the risk of transfusions, which can cause allergic reactions or infections 2397314-simple-blood-test-tweak-could-make-intensive-care-treatment-safer|2397314 We could make roads on the moon by melting lunar dust https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397359-we-could-make-roads-on-the-moon-by-melting-lunar-dust/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:00:39 +0100 Lunar dust can be melted with a laser to make a strong, glassy material – and a similar effect could be achieved by focusing sunlight with a lens 2397359-we-could-make-roads-on-the-moon-by-melting-lunar-dust|2397359 Neanderthals hunted cave lions with spears and made use of their pelts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397317-neanderthals-hunted-cave-lions-with-spears-and-made-use-of-their-pelts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:00:32 +0100 Fossilised remains of extinct big cats called cave lions display evidence of butchery, showing that Neanderthals had the skills to take on top predators 2397317-neanderthals-hunted-cave-lions-with-spears-and-made-use-of-their-pelts|2397317 How the balloon analogy for an expanding universe is almost perfect https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396666-how-the-balloon-analogy-for-an-expanding-universe-is-almost-perfect/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 If space-time is expanding, then why does gravity seem to pull things together? Physics can be weird, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 2396666-how-the-balloon-analogy-for-an-expanding-universe-is-almost-perfect|2396666 Inventions based on threatened animals like rhinos are on the rise https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397263-inventions-based-on-threatened-animals-like-rhinos-are-on-the-rise/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:17:50 +0100 An analysis of patent records suggests there is growing commercial interest in products derived from rhinos and other threatened wildlife 2397263-inventions-based-on-threatened-animals-like-rhinos-are-on-the-rise|2397263 Let's stop making lab-grown meat weird https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034602-900-lets-stop-making-lab-grown-meat-weird/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 The lab-grown meat industry needs to perfect and normalise the staples, like chicken and beef, before jumping to exotic alternatives like mammoth, argues Brian Kateman mg26034602-900-lets-stop-making-lab-grown-meat-weird|2396769 Has the risk of getting long covid been overestimated? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2393962-has-the-risk-of-getting-long-covid-been-overestimated/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:30:15 +0100 Studies that failed to compare rates of long covid symptoms after infection with baseline rates in the population made the prevalence of the condition seem higher than it really is 2393962-has-the-risk-of-getting-long-covid-been-overestimated|2393962 Of Time and Turtles review: What can we learn from turtles? https://www.newscientist.com/article/0-of-time-and-turtles-review-what-can-we-learn-from-turtles/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Turtles have existed for around 250 million years. Sy Montgomery's new book shows us that these ancient reptiles have much to teach us about the nature of time 0-of-time-and-turtles-review-what-can-we-learn-from-turtles|2396646 Toys produce far more electronic waste than vapes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397075-toys-produce-far-more-electronic-waste-than-vapes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 12 Oct 2023 01:01:39 +0100 Over 3 billion kilograms of valuable electronics inside children’s toys are thrown away each year, and very few people are aware of this hidden e-waste 2397075-toys-produce-far-more-electronic-waste-than-vapes|2397075 Samples from asteroid Bennu contain the key ingredients of life https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397232-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-contain-the-key-ingredients-of-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 22:23:13 +0100 The asteroid Bennu was sampled by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex mission, which returned to Earth last month. Researchers have already begun studying the samples, and say they contain key ingredients of life 2397232-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-contain-the-key-ingredients-of-life|2397232 Earth’s core is oddly squishy and we may now know why https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396983-earths-core-is-oddly-squishy-and-we-may-now-know-why/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:00:55 +0100 Earth’s iron-rich inner core may owe some of its surprising softness to the motion of atoms, suggest experiments with iron at high temperature and pressure coupled to AI simulations 2396983-earths-core-is-oddly-squishy-and-we-may-now-know-why|2396983 Is cannabis today really much more potent than 50 years ago? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396976-is-cannabis-today-really-much-more-potent-than-50-years-ago/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:55:00 +0100 Levels of the psychoactive compound THC have been steadily rising in marijuana since the 1970s, due largely to growers selecting for more potent strains 2396976-is-cannabis-today-really-much-more-potent-than-50-years-ago|2396976 Two giant planets collided and vaporised in a distant star system https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397089-two-giant-planets-collided-and-vaporised-in-a-distant-star-system/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:00:49 +0100 A star behaving strangely was the first clue that astronomers were witnessing two Neptune-sized planets smashing into each other, creating a doughnut that may one day birth a new planet and moons 2397089-two-giant-planets-collided-and-vaporised-in-a-distant-star-system|2397089 Climate change may be improving the quality of Bordeaux wines https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396693-climate-change-may-be-improving-the-quality-of-bordeaux-wines/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:00:16 +0100 An analysis has found that Bordeaux wines made in years with wet winters and hot, dry summers – which are becoming more common as a result of climate change – are judged more highly by wine critics 2396693-climate-change-may-be-improving-the-quality-of-bordeaux-wines|2396693 NASA’s Psyche mission to a metal asteroid may reveal how Earth formed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2392930-nasas-psyche-mission-to-a-metal-asteroid-may-reveal-how-earth-formed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:00:30 +0100 The Psyche mission is scheduled to begin its journey to an asteroid of the same name on 13 October – it could help us understand Earth’s core and how our planet formed 2392930-nasas-psyche-mission-to-a-metal-asteroid-may-reveal-how-earth-formed|2392930 Going Infinite review: Who is Sam Bankman-Fried? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397054-going-infinite-review-who-is-sam-bankman-fried/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:00:58 +0100 A profile of “crypto king” Sam Bankman-Fried has been rushed out as his fraud trial starts in the US. Does its author Michael Lewis get to grips with his subject? 2397054-going-infinite-review-who-is-sam-bankman-fried|2397054 London's drying rivers threaten the city's drinking water supply https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397002-londons-drying-rivers-threaten-the-citys-drinking-water-supply/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:35:37 +0100 Poor river management means that London is number nine in the list of global cities most likely to run out of drinking water, campaigner Feargal Sharkey said at New Scientist Live 2397002-londons-drying-rivers-threaten-the-citys-drinking-water-supply|2397002 Mysterious Viking queen may have helped unify Denmark in the 900s https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396731-mysterious-viking-queen-may-have-helped-unify-denmark-in-the-900s/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 01:01:16 +0100 Queen Thyra, the mother of King Harald Bluetooth, was commemorated on four runestones in different parts of Denmark – suggesting she was a powerful figure 2396731-mysterious-viking-queen-may-have-helped-unify-denmark-in-the-900s|2396731 Female frogs sometimes play dead to avoid mating with males https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396917-female-frogs-sometimes-play-dead-to-avoid-mating-with-males/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 01:01:10 +0100 Frog mating can be a competitive and sometimes deadly affair as many males compete for females – but females have some tricks to avoid unwanted attention 2396917-female-frogs-sometimes-play-dead-to-avoid-mating-with-males|2396917 Winning images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396750-winning-images-from-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2023/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:30:50 +0100 Orcas hunting a seal, duelling Nubian ibexes and a stunning horseshoe crab appear in winning images from this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2396750-winning-images-from-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2023|2396750 How to see the Draconid meteor shower peak tonight https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396118-how-to-see-the-draconid-meteor-shower-peak-tonight/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:00:26 +0100 The Draconid meteor shower is happening between 6 and 10 October, peaking on 9 October, and you should be able to see it if you are in the northern hemisphere 2396118-how-to-see-the-draconid-meteor-shower-peak-tonight|2396118 Slicing the moon in half would be disastrous for Earth – but beautiful https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396204-slicing-the-moon-in-half-would-be-disastrous-for-earth-but-beautiful/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:00:24 +0100 The moon can be a scourge for astronomers, so the Dead Planets Society has figured out how to destroy it, with consequences both disastrous and visually stunning 2396204-slicing-the-moon-in-half-would-be-disastrous-for-earth-but-beautiful|2396204 Driving under the influence of cannabis: How high is too high? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396504-driving-under-the-influence-of-cannabis-how-high-is-too-high/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:00:39 +0100 Driving under the influence of cannabis increases the risk of traffic accidents, but despite plenty of research into cannabis use by drivers, there is no consensus on deciding who is too high to drive 2396504-driving-under-the-influence-of-cannabis-how-high-is-too-high|2396504 Chickens made resistant to bird flu with CRISPR gene editing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396830-chickens-made-resistant-to-bird-flu-with-crispr-gene-editing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:46 +0100 Modifying a protein in chicken cells can help the birds resist infection by influenza viruses, but further testing is needed before this approach can be rolled out 2396830-chickens-made-resistant-to-bird-flu-with-crispr-gene-editing|2396830 Should we be worried about AI's growing energy use? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396064-should-we-be-worried-about-ais-growing-energy-use/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:42 +0100 The expanding use of large AI models demands huge numbers of powerful servers, which could end up consuming as much energy as whole countries 2396064-should-we-be-worried-about-ais-growing-energy-use|2396064 Ocean life surged 500 million years ago due to cooler sea temperatures https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396825-ocean-life-surged-500-million-years-ago-due-to-cooler-sea-temperatures/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:17 +0100 A fall in sea surface temperatures around 500 million years ago led to the evolution of aquatic life that could survive in newly hospitable environments 2396825-ocean-life-surged-500-million-years-ago-due-to-cooler-sea-temperatures|2396825 World’s largest offshore wind farm sends first power to UK grid https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396930-worlds-largest-offshore-wind-farm-sends-first-power-to-uk-grid/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:46:06 +0100 The Dogger Bank offshore wind farm is located off England’s north-east coast and has begun generating power following installation of the first turbine at the site 2396930-worlds-largest-offshore-wind-farm-sends-first-power-to-uk-grid|2396930