New ScientistMar 17, 20261 min↓ Negative
Social media is a defective product
Two landmark lawsuits against major tech firms are set to challenge the safety and privacy of social media platforms, potentially leading to stricter regulations and more responsible product design, with far-reaching implications for global digital environments.
social-medialawsuitsregulationsprivacy
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New ScientistMar 17, 20262 min~ Mixed
A very serious guide to buying your own humanoid robot butler
A groundbreaking guide to purchasing a humanoid robot butler is now available, making it more affordable than ever. Despite the significant investment, understanding the intricacies of this technology and its ethical implications is crucial before making such a significant purchase.
roboticsartificial-intelligencetechnologyethics
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New ScientistMar 17, 20261 min↑ Positive
Your partner may wake you up six times a night – but does it matter?
A surprising new study reveals that the frequency of awakenings during sleep doesn't significantly impact our sleep quality, suggesting that the act of being woken up is more important than the number of times we're disturbed. This finding could revolutionize sleep studies and the development of better sleep technologies.
sleep-studypartner-sleepsleep-qualitysleep-disruption
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New ScientistMar 17, 20261 min↑ Positive
Particle discovered at CERN solves a 20-year-old mystery
Scientists at CERN have made a groundbreaking discovery with the LHCb experiment, spotting a particle that has been sought after for two decades. This elusive and fleeting particle, a heavier and more charming cousin to the proton, could revolutionize our understanding of particle physics.
particle-physicsparticle-discoverycernlhc
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New ScientistMar 16, 20261 min↑ Positive
The ancient Goths were an ethnically diverse group
New DNA research reveals that the ancient Goths were a diverse group, challenging traditional views and offering new insights into their role in history.
goths-dnaancient-ethnicsgenetic-studiesarchaeology
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New ScientistMar 11, 20261 min~ Mixed
Orcas may be to blame for some mass dolphin strandings
Two mass dolphin strandings in Argentina have raised concerns about the role of orcas, sparking new research into the complex predator-prey dynamics in marine ecosystems.
marine-lifeorca-dolphin-interactionsmarine-conservationmarine-ecosystems
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New ScientistMar 9, 20261 min↓ Negative
Why is black rain falling on Iran and how dangerous is it?
On October 10, 2023, US-Israeli strikes on Iran's oil facilities resulted in "black rain" falling on Tehran, raising concerns about the health risks associated with the black smoke filling the air.
black-rainiranhealth-risksstrikes
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New ScientistMar 9, 20261 min↑ Positive
We’ve only just confirmed that Homo habilis really existed
In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists have finally confirmed the existence of Homo habilis, a species that has long been considered the first human, shedding light on their daily lives and the environment they lived in. This new research has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution and our place in the natural world.
hominin-evolutionpaleontology-discoveryhuman-historyancient-anthropology
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New ScientistMar 9, 20261 min↑ Positive
Frailty sets in far earlier than you’d expect, but you can reverse it
Frailty can start as early as the 30s, making it crucial to identify and address the signs early, according to a new study in *The Lancet*. This discovery underscores the importance of preventive care and lifestyle changes to maintain health and strength throughout life.
frailtyagingearly-onset-frailtypreventive-care
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New ScientistMar 9, 20261 min~ Mixed
SETI may have missed alien signals because of space weather
SETI researchers have been searching for decades for a sharp, well-defined radio signal that could indicate intelligent life beyond Earth. But new findings suggest that space weather could be distorting these signals, making it challenging to detect the signal that could indicate the presence of intelligent life. The implications of this finding are significant, as it may require SETI researchers to rethink their approach to detecting extraterrestrial intelligence.
setiradiosignalsspaceweatherextraterrestrialintellige
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New ScientistMar 7, 20261 min↑ Positive
How an intern helped build the AI that shook the world
In 2015, Chris Maddison was an intern at Google tasked with building the Go-playing AI that would later become AlphaGo. Now a senior AI researcher at DeepMind, Maddison reflects on the historic match against Lee Sedol, highlighting the power of collaboration and the importance of starting small. His story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their field, whether they are an intern or a seasoned professional. The journey from intern to AI pioneer is a reminde
ai-pioneeringintern-storydeepmindalpha-go
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New ScientistMar 7, 20262 min~ Mixed
The moment that kicked off the AI revolution
In 2016, Lee Sedol faced off against AlphaGo, marking a pivotal moment in AI history. The victory showcased the capabilities of AI and sparked a global debate about the future of technology. As AI continues to evolve, it's crucial to consider the ethical implications and ensure that these advancements are developed responsibly, with a focus on transparency and accountability.
ai-revolutiongo-championalphagoartificial-intelligence
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New ScientistMar 6, 20261 min↑ Positive
NASA changed an asteroid's orbit around the sun for the first time
On September 26, 2022, NASA's DART mission successfully slammed into an asteroid, marking the first time a spacecraft altered an asteroid's orbit around the sun, paving the way for future asteroid deflection strategies.
asteroid-missiondarts-dartdarts-dart-testdouble-asteroid-redirecti
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New ScientistMar 6, 20261 min↑ Positive
Chemistry clues could detect aliens unlike any life on Earth
A new study suggests a test based on the reactivity of carbon compounds could be a useful indicator of life beyond Earth, potentially revealing the true nature of life on our planet. This could lead to a better understanding of the universe and our place within it.
exoplanetsastrobiologychemistrylife-sciences
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New ScientistMar 6, 20261 min↓ Negative
Inflammation might cause Alzheimer's – here's how to reduce it
A recent study suggests persistent inflammation could contribute to Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices in managing it.
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New ScientistMar 6, 20261 min↑ Positive
The best new popular science books of March 2026
Rebecca Solnit's new book, promising hope and perspective in difficult times, is one of the top picks for March 2026, making it a must-read for those seeking clarity and guidance.
popular-scienceinnovationdiscoveryrebecca-solnit
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New ScientistMar 6, 20261 min↓ Negative
Earth is now heating up twice as fast as in previous decades
The Earth is heating up twice as fast as in previous decades, with concerns growing that climate tipping points could be crossed earlier than expected, urging urgent global action to combat greenhouse gas emissions.
climate-changegreenhouse-gasesglobal-warmingenvironmental-protection
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New ScientistMar 6, 20262 min↑ Positive
The secret to guessing more accurately with maths
In the realm of mathematics, combining the work of Gauss, Graunt, and Pythagoras reveals powerful techniques for improving accuracy in guessing and predicting future outcomes. Learn more in Jacob Aron's article on [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518198-the-secret-to-guessing-more-accurately-with-maths/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=home).
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New ScientistMar 5, 20261 min↑ Positive
Möbius strip-like molecule has an entirely new and bizarre shape
A unique 13-carbon, two-chlorine molecule with a Möbius strip-like structure has been discovered, challenging traditional molecular geometry and offering new insights into chemical behavior and material science.
molecular-geometrychemistrymaterials-scienceunusual-molecules
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New ScientistMar 5, 20261 min↑ Positive
Just one dose of psilocybin relieves symptoms of OCD for months
A groundbreaking study reveals that a single dose of psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, can relieve symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for months without negative side effects. This finding, published in *New Scientist*, suggests psilocybin could be a viable alternative to conventional treatments for those who have not responded to current therapies. The study involved 12 participants with severe OCD who were unable to tolerate standard treatments, and after
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New ScientistMar 4, 20261 min↑ Positive
Adrian Tchaikovsky's new Children of Time novel is brilliant
Adrian Tchaikovsky's "Children of Time" series, featuring an ambitious and fantastic premise, introduces a human-size mantis shrimp as an "uplifted" species, seamlessly blending science, fantasy, and philosophy. This groundbreaking work promises to challenge genre boundaries and captivate readers.
science-fictionsciencefantasyphilosophy
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New ScientistMar 4, 20261 min↑ Positive
New Scientist recommends real-world stealth game LANDER 23
The staff at New Scientist has recommended a real-world stealth game called LANDER 23, offering a unique blend of books, TV, and games. This game simulates the thrill of stealth in a real-life scenario, making it an ideal choice for adventure and mystery enthusiasts.
lander23stealthgamedigitalandphysicalworldsgaming
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New ScientistMar 4, 20261 min↑ Positive
We must close the 'shocking' knowledge gap in women's health
This International Women's Day, Anita Zaidi calls for urgent research into women's health, highlighting the shocking knowledge gap and the potential to improve global health and prosperity by investing in reproductive system research.
health-equalityreproductive-healthresearchscience
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New ScientistMar 4, 20261 min— Neutral
How worried should you be about microplastics?
Chelsea Whyte uncovers the alarming accumulation of microplastics in our environment and body tissues, prompting scientists to reassess claims and shedding light on whether you should be particularly concerned.
environmental-sciencehealth-and-safetymicroplasticsenvironment
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