Science News
New map reveals where lethal scorpions are most likely to strike
Science Daily - 18 Feb 2026 23:36
Scientists have developed a powerful new way to forecast where some of the worlds most dangerous scorpions are likely to be found. By combining fieldwork in Africa with advanced computer modeling, the team discovered tha...
Less Experience Leads to Faster Neural Adaptation
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 22:32
A new study finds that the brain learns better from spaced-out, rare events than from constant repetition, challenging 100 years of Pavlovian theory.
New Human Neuron Networks Decode Developing Brain Rhythms
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 21:50
Researchers have developed a high-speed "neuron-on-a-plate" system that successfully mimics the complex electrical rhythms of the developing human brain.
Hacking Musical Chills: Triggering Peak Musical Pleasure
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 21:30
Hack your goosebumps. A new brain-music interface uses in-ear sensors to read your emotions and curate a playlist that guarantees peak "musical chills."
Electronic Mesh Wraps Around Mini-Brains to Eavesdrop on Neural Circuits
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 20:17
Its a high-tech hug for your brain cells. Scientists have developed a "pop-up" electronic mesh that wraps around mini-brains to map every spark and signal.
Sleep Protects the Brains Powerhouses from Toxic Waste
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 19:21
Think of sleep as a janitorial shift. New research reveals how slumber protects your brains powerhouses by hauling away toxic waste produced during the day.
Tin isotopes reveal clues to nuclear stability
Phys.org - 18 Feb 2026 19:10
Separated by an ocean and more than a decade, innovative experiments with 31 tin isotopes having either a surplus or shortage of neutrons show how neutrons influence nuclear stability and element formation. The experimen...
More dog breeds found to have high risk of breathing condition
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 19:00
An assessment of nearly 900 dogs has identified 12 breeds prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, which can affect dogs' ability to sleep and exercise
Paediatricians blood used to make new treatments for RSV and colds
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 19:00
Antibodies harvested from the blood of paediatricians are up to 25 times better at protecting against the common respiratory infection RSV than existing antibody therapies, and are now being developed as preventative tre...
Why Some Brains Are Biologically Unable to Process Loss
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 18:53
Grief shouldn't be a life sentence. Researchers are uncovering why some brains get "stuck" in a cycle of craving and longing after the loss of a loved one.
City-size, cold-volcano comet transforms into a glowing 'snail shell' after major explosive outburst
Live Science - 18 Feb 2026 18:14
Following a massive cryovolcanic eruption, the mysterious Comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann has been morphed into a giant spiral and is now shining 100 times brighter than normal.
NASA starts countdown clock for second Artemis II wet dress rehearsal after rocky first attempt
Live Science - 18 Feb 2026 18:03
NASA will attempt to fuel its Artemis II rocket again tomorrow after hydrogen leaks derailed the first wet dress rehearsal and delayed what is scheduled to be a historic crewed flight around the moon.
Why it's high time we stopped anthropomorphising ants
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
We have long drawn parallels between ants and humans. Now we are comparing the insects to computers. It is time to stop using ants as analogues for ourselves and our machines, says Annalee Newitz
What to read this week: The Laws of Thought by Tom Griffiths
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
In the ChatGPT era, a war over the nature of intelligence is playing out. Chris Stokel-Walker explores a Princeton professor's engaging take
Artists gaze into space in stunning new exhibition
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
A new show at the Royal West of England Academy brings together a series of works that interweave art and science
Weird and wonderful fungi should be so much more than sci-fi villains
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
Fungi have become Hollywoods go-to bad guys. But as yet another story focuses on Cordyceps, Nick Crumpton says we are missing a chance to broaden our fictional horizons
We need to get better at identifying postpartum depression in dads
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
Around 40 per cent of people are unaware that men can experience postpartum depression too - that has to change
The maths quirk that can cheer you up if you're feeling unpopular
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
If you feel like the least popular person among your friends, then a handy piece of maths might improve your mood, says Peter Rowlett
Spruce trees stumped (sigh) when it comes to predicting eclipses
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
Feedback enjoys the debunking of a study that suggested a 2022 solar eclipse had been "anticipated" by a bunch of trees
New Scientist recommends The Big Oyster: History on the half shell
New Scientist - 18 Feb 2026 18:00
The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week
Social Competition Can Turn Nurturing Dads into Neglectful Ones
Neuroscience News - 18 Feb 2026 17:54
Is neglect a molecular choice? Scientists have discovered a brain switch that can turn a "Dad-of-the-Year" into a neglectful parent based on his environment.
Microsoft can now store data for 10,000 years on everyday glass thanks to laser breakthrough
Live Science - 18 Feb 2026 17:45
Improvements to the data writing and reading techniques, alongside a new way to store data, mean the technology is more accessible than before.